San Francisco police have launched an investigation after a reported sexual assault of a child in a Golden Gate Park restroom last week – an incident that has prompted new safety measures around one of the city’s busiest recreation areas.
According to the San Francisco Police Department, officers responded around 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 to the Polo Fields after receiving a report of a sexual battery involving a minor. The child had been attending a youth soccer practice, authorities and league officials said.
“Investigators are working diligently on this high-priority case,” police said in a statement. “Since the incident occurred, SFPD has increased patrol in the Richmond and is working closely with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. This is an active investigation that is moving rapidly, and we hope to have an update promptly.”
As of Monday, no arrests had been announced, and police have not released a suspect description.
In response, the city’s Recreation and Park Department said it has added new safety measures around the Polo Fields to the reported assault.
A San Francisco park ranger is now stationed near the restrooms on weekdays between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., when youth teams primarily use the field, Tamara Aparton, a department spokesperson, said in a statement.
She added that the department’s regular field monitor continues to rotate between the Beach Chalet and Polo Fields during after-school hours, and rangers are conducting additional spot checks throughout the day, including on weekends.
A new security camera has also been installed in the area to support the investigation and enhance safety monitoring, the department said.
The city has alerted the Polo Fields soccer community, asking coaches and team parents to institute a buddy system for restroom visits and to report any suspicious activity to ranger dispatch or SFPD.
Eloisa Tejero, interim executive director of San Francisco Youth Soccer, said the organization was devastated by the incident and has taken additional steps to keep players safe.
“We are heartbroken by the reported sexual assault,” Tejero said in a statement Monday night. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the player, their family, friends, and the entire team.”
She said the league learned of the incident from a volunteer coach on Friday morning and sent a safety alert that same afternoon to all team administrators. The notice urged coaches to ensure players use restrooms in groups of two or three during practices and games.
“As a player-first organization, safety is our top priority,” Tejero said. “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.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Francisco Police Department’s tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text TIP411, beginning the message with SFPD.
This article originally published at Child sexually assaulted in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, police say.