Hundreds of people use the Stevens Creek Trail in Mountain View every day, but they are being told to use extra caution after an attack in broad daylight over the weekend.
Mountain view police are warning people about a man who grabbed a woman while she was jogging around 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Police say the woman was jogging on the trail near the Dana Street over crossing when an overweight man in a red hooded sweatshirt blocked her path. He then used a bear hug to grab her and attempted to drag her into some bushes. The woman fought back and was able to get away.
She told police she immediately started scratching his face and that apparently was enough to cause the attacker to drop her.
The jogger was not hurt. She flagged down another person on the trail and used their cell phone to call 911, officer Liz Wylie said.
The man is described as white, about 35 years old, with dark, thinning hair and a full goatee. He road off to the south on a green mountain bike.
Police are investigating the case as an attempted sexual assault.
They say they have not received reports of any similar crimes on Stevens Creek Trail.
Police are advising trail users to report suspicious people and activity and to be aware of their surroundings at all times. They also recommend carrying your own cell phone and have the police department's direct line in your list of pre-programmed numbers. The number is 650-903-6922.
Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call the MVPD immediately at 650-903-6344. Callers can remain anonymous.
