Palo Alto Police: Sexual Battery at Stanford Shopping Center

A man grabbed a woman’s breast over her clothes as she walked along a Stanford Shopping Center sidewalk Wednesday during the noon hour. She was not injured. The suspect ran away and the victim immediately called 911 immediately.

Palo Alto Police officers and detectives, along with deputies from the Stanford Department of Public Safety, conducted an extensive search but didn’t find the man.

The sexual battery comes just eight days after . That one occurred on a downtown Palo Alto street. Police believe the same man is responsible for both assaults.

The victim at Stanford Shopping Center is in her 30s. According to police, she was walking on the sidewalk of Orchard Lane between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. The suspect stepped out in front of her from between two parked cars, grabbed her breast, and then ran away.

He was last seen in a parking lot along Welch Road. He was wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt with the hood up over his head. The victim said he was about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build. Police released a sketch of the suspect.

Detectives are actively investigating both cases of sexual battery.

Safety Tips

Patrol officers and plainclothes detectives will be on the lookout for the suspect. They’re also warning women to be especially aware of their surroundings.

The City of Palo Alto has posted safety tips for all citizens including: 

3 Basic Rules

• DO stay alert. Keep your mind on your surroundings, who is in front of you and who is behind you. Don't get distracted. If you're worried about crime, ask a friend to accompany you when you go out.
• DO communicate the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you are going. Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make quick eye contact with people around you.
• DO trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave.

When Walking

• Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Choose well-lighted busy streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys, or construction sites. Take the long way if it's the safest.
• Know your neighborhood. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where the police and fire stations are.
• Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it.
• Carry a wallet in an inside coat or side trouser pocket, not in a rear trouser pocket.
• Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that make it hard to react.
• Bring "emergency" change for cab fare, bus fare, or a telephone call.
• Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home.
• If you suspect you are being followed by someone on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lighted, populated area.
• Walk quickly or run to a house or store to call police. If you are really scared, scream for help.
• If you are being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number or car description.
• Never accept rides from strangers.

The complete guide includes tips for staying safe in your car, on public transit, in elevators, and while enjoying outdoor activities such as jogging.

If you have information these cases, call the Palo Alto Police 24-hour dispatch center at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent via text message or voice mail to 650-383-8984.

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