Sheriffs on Lookout for Serial Fondler

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department is on the lookout for a Hispanic male whom they suspect has exposed himself to several women and squeezed or slapped their buttocks in the Carpinteria area over the past several months.

The suspect, described as a small to medium-sized man in his early to late 20s with brown hair and brown eyes, allegedly rides his bicycle up behind the victims and slaps or squeezes them as he passes, said Sgt. Erik Raney. In one incident, the suspect allegedly lifted up the victim’s skirt and then exposed himself to her.

The incidents occurred on the bike path between the 5600 block of Carpinteria Avenue and Via Real, as well as in the Casitas Pass Road area.

In three incidents the suspect was wearing a red backpack, and descriptions of his bicycle vary-from a dark-colored mountain bike, to a red bicycle, to a small BMX bike. He has been seen wearing dark, black, or khaki pants, black and gray hooded sweatshirts, red or black faded baseball caps and black tennis shoes.

Sheriff’s officials warn the public to be aware of their surroundings, not walk alone in less populated areas and to keep a cell phone handy in case help is needed.

Anyone with information about the incidents should call Detective Alvarez at (805) 895-9021. Anyone who sees the suspect should call 911 or (805) 692-5743.