Fremont police arrest transient after attempted sexual assault

FREMONT >> A 33-year-old transient man is in county jail after his arrest on suspicion of several charges after attacking a woman at a gym this week, authorities said Wednesday.

Around 6:20 p.m. Monday, the woman was exercising among other gym patrons during a class at 24 Hour Fitness, 39300 Paseo Padre Parkway, when a man entered the class and approached her before pushing her to the floor.

As the woman screamed, the man held her there, pulling her clothes off and attempting to sexually assault her, but another person at the gym managed to intervene, pulling the man away and standing between them.

The bystander followed the man to the gym’s front entrance, where employees managed to stop and hold him until police officers arrived.

“The Fremont Police Department wishes to thank the Good Samaritan for intervening in the attack.”

“The Fremont Police Department wishes to thank the Good Samaritan for intervening in the attack,” Fremont police Lt. Michael Tegner said in a statement. “Their quick action stopped this horrendous assault and aided in the suspect’s quick arrest. It took bravery and courage to intervene.”

Investigators spoke with multiple witnesses, obtained surveillance-camera footage inside the gym, and later spoke with the man, who confessed to the attack, police said.

The man, identified as

Johnathan Anderson, was arrested on suspicion of felony sexual battery and assault with intent to commit oral copulation. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail on $150,000 bail, and was scheduled for an arraignment hearing Thursday at Dublin’s East County Hall of Justice, according to a county records check.

Police said Anderson was on active probation for prior convictions for grand theft and driving under the influence.

Investigators said they hope to speak with anyone who had contact with Anderson recently, and added they fear he may have assaulted others.

Anyone with information should call Fremont police’s investigative unit at 510-7909654 or anonymously text TIP FREMONTPD followed by a message to 888-777, or by visiting https://local. nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.

— Fremont police Lt. Michael Tegner