SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A child was sexually assaulted in a public restroom in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and police are searching for the suspect.
The unimaginable attack has shaken the community.
“That time during the day as well. It’s horrific, my God,” said David Ryan, a cyclist who goes to the park every week.
The sexual assault was reported to SFPD on Thursday around 5:30 p.m.
The victim is a minor who was going to the bathroom during soccer practice at the Polo Fields at Golden Gate Park.
“I use those restrooms from time to time and they are always quiet and there are people around. Clean, peaceful, I just can’t imagine, especially a kid,” said Ryan.
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The San Francisco Police Department confirmed the minor reported the incident right away, yet the suspect is still at large.
“Our investigators and the police department has prioritized this investigation. We are putting many resources towards this to ultimately identify, locate and arrest the suspect. Our investigators are uncovering any lead that they gathered talking to witness and being in the area,” said San Francisco Police Officer Robert Rueca.
The San Francisco Youth Soccer organization said they were heartbroken by the reported sexual assault and sent out a notice urging teams to “have players use restrooms in groups of 2 or 3 during practices and games.”
People who frequented the park last week were shocked, and said there is not much security in the area.
“No police, no sheriff or park rangers around here but I mean, you never know. Especially here around 5:30 or so, there are tons of kids,” said Marco, a San Francisco resident who goes to the park multiple times a week.
After the sexual assault, San Francisco’s Rec and Parks Department confirmed they have a park ranger stationed near the restrooms on weekdays between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
In a statement, SF Rec and Parks said: “Rangers are also conducting additional spot checks throughout the day, including weekends. A security camera has been installed in the area to support the investigation and enhance ongoing safety monitoring.”
SFPD said they are working together with Rec and Parks on this investigation and have also increased police presence around the park.
“Our officers have canvassed the area, and our investigators are uncovering and going through every lead that we have regarding this case,” said Officer Rueca.
SFPD has not made an arrest or released any description of the suspect.
Full statements:
San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department:
“A San Francisco Park Ranger is now stationed near the restrooms on weekdays between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., when youth are primarily using the field. This is in addition to our regular field monitor who rotates between the Beach Chalet and Polo Fields during after-school hours (3:30-6:30 p.m.). Rangers are also conducting additional spot checks throughout the day, including weekends. A security camera has been installed in the area to support the investigation and enhance ongoing safety monitoring.
We have also alerted the Polo Fields soccer community, asking coaches and team parents to help by instituting a buddy system for restroom visits and to report all suspicious activity immediately to ranger dispatch at 415-242-6390 or by calling SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.”
San Francisco Youth Soccer:
“We are heartbroken by the reported sexual assault. Our deepest sympathies go out to the player, their family, friends, and the entire team.
We learned of the incident from a volunteer coach on Friday morning. That same afternoon, we included a “Player Safety Reminder” to all Team Admins via email. This notice emphasized Safety First and urged teams to have players use restrooms in groups of 2 or 3 during practices and games.
As a player-first organization, safety is our top priority.
We are glad that SF Rec and Park has increased ranger and video security while youth are using the Polo Fields.
We will continue to partner with the community to ensure all players are safe.”
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