Woman sexually assaulted, robbed near downtown Palo Alto

PALO ALTO » Authorities are searching for a man who beat, sexually assaulted and robbed a woman near downtown Palo Alto early Monday.

The attack occurred about 4:10 a.m. on the 100 block of Everett Avenue, according to Palo Alto police Capt. Zach Perron.

Perron said the victim, a woman in her 30s, told authorities she was walking to her car when a man approached and asked if she could spare any change. She said she could.

As the victim reached into her car, the suspect hit her on the back and the back of her head with an object. He then sexually assaulted her, according to Perron.

The victim screamed and fought back.

At that point, the suspect reached into the victim’s jacket pocket, removed her wallet and left the area on foot. He was last seen heading east on Everett and turning north on Emerson Street.

Perron said the victim drove herself to the police station on Forest Avenue. She complained of pain to the back of her head, and paramedics were summoned to treat her.

Officers went to the scene of the attack and searched for the suspect but did not find him.

The woman described the suspect as white, in his late 20s to early 30s and about 5 feet 11 inches tall with a skinny build. His hair was brown or dirty blond, long and straight. He also had an unkempt beard and was last seen wearing a beanie with a pompom on top.

Perron said it is possible the victim will be able to work with a police artist to create a sketch of the suspect.

The case is not related to a pair of recent sexual assaults in the city, according to Perron. Suspects in each of those cases have been arrested.

Anyone with information about any of the cases can contact the Palo Alto Police Department at 650-329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-3838984 or email paloalto@ tipnow.org.