PALO ALTO – An investigation is underway into the robbery and sexual assault of a man in the Palo Alto Baylands.
The victim called the city’s 24-hour dispatch center around 10:10 a.m. Monday to report he had just been robbed and sexually assaulted in the nature preserve, located at 2500 Embarcadero Road, the Palo Alto Police Department said in a news release.
Officers searched the area but did not find the suspect.
The victim told officers he had been riding his e-bicycle on the Adobe Creek Loop Trail just south of the Compass Road area of Byxbee Park when he stopped to make a phone call. That’s when another man tackled him from behind and began searching his pockets.
The suspect then removed the victim’s pants and sexually assaulted him, police said.
Afterward, the suspect rode away on the victim’s e-bicycle, also taking his wallet and pants, police said.
The victim told officers the suspect was in his early 20s. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and white shorts.
No similar crimes have happened in the city recently, police said, adding that detectives are seeking witnesses who were on the trail Monday morning and may have seen something.
Anyone with information can contact the police department at 650-329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.