APD trying to identify alleged hike-and-bike trail sexual assault suspect

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is seeking the public's help to find a suspect wanted in connection with an "attempted sexual assault" on the downtown hike-and-bike trail back in July, the agency said in a news release Tuesday.

Around 5 p.m., July 21, the alleged suspect walked up to a victim who was walking on the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, the release said. That trail is "parallel" to the 1700 block of South Lakeshore Boulevard. The suspect asked the victim what time it was in Spanish, and then showed their cellphone screen with the suspect, according to police.

"The suspect then grabbed the victim by the arms, threw them to the ground, began to touch them inappropriately, and attempted to sexually assault them," the release said.

That suspect is described as a Hispanic man, approximately 6 feet tall with a dark complexion, heavy build, large hands, brown eyes and black hair, according to police. He was last seen wearing a navy blue hat backwards, a navy blue shirt and gym shorts.

If anyone has any information in connection with the assault, they can contact APD's Sex Crimes Unit at 512-974-5095. Tipsters can also submit a tip anonymously via Capital Area Crime Stoppers at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.

"A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest," APD said in the release.