San Mateo sheriff increasing patrols after woman groped near Half Moon Bay park

San Mateo sheriff increasing patrols after woman groped near Half Moon Bay park

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office plans to increase patrols around Half Moon Bay’s Smith Field Park after a woman was groped while walking on a nearby trail.

Sheriff’s deputies were called at about 7 p.m. Saturday for the incident, which happened on a trail just south of the park, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. The woman was walking east along the trail when a man rode past her, got off his bike and grabbed her, the sheriff’s office said. He then rode off on his bike when she screamed.

The sheriff’s office encouraged residents Monday to “have heightened awareness of their surroundings” and consider walking, hiking or riding with others, if possible.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Detective Nicole Pitts at [email protected], or by calling 650-363-4060. Tips also can be submitted to the sheriff’s office’s anonymous tip line at 800-547-2700.