The Bakersfield Police Department is searching for a person suspected of assault. The assault occurred at 6:29 a. m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 near the 9800 block of Stockdale Highway, across from the CSU Bakersfield campus. 

  According to a BPD press release, the victim reported that she was jogging westbound on the bike path alongside Stockdale Highway when the assailant ran up to her from behind.  The victim turned to face the assailant and he grabbed her.  She fought him off using pepper spray and alerted authorities immediately, but could not report which way he ran. 

  The victim described her assailant as a Hispanic male in his mid 20’s standing 5’9” or 5’10”, and weighing approximately 160 lbs. He was wearing a black, white, and grey camouflage hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, black athletic–style pants with three vertical white stripes on the sides, and black Vans or Converse style shoes with white soles. BPD has provided an artist’s rendering of the assailant.   

  Anyone who has any additional information regarding the attack or believes they may know the identity of the assailant is urged to contact Detective Phippen at (661) 326-3810 or the Bakersfield Police Department directly at (661) 327-7111. Anonymous tips may also be submitted online at the BPD homepage, www.BakersfieldPD.us.