Police release suspect photos in weekend strangulation attack

San Francisco police say that a female was accosted and physically assaulted Saturday afternoon by an erratic and incoherent man.

According to the victim’s statement, the man began yelling and “acting erratically” toward her as she walked alone at Sunnydale Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard around 3:13 p.m. Despite an attempt to avoid him by the crossing street, he proceeded to follow her. Police say he grabbed her as she tried to walk away, putting his hand on her neck and squeezing hard enough to restrict her airflow.

The victim said he pushed her to the ground at Sunnydale Avenue and Desmond Street, still strangling her until she lost consciousness in the struggle. She said heard another voice call out, which apparently startled the man, causing him to finally release her as he fled the scene. Medics arrived and treated the victim for injuries.

Responding officers were unable to locate the assailant in their search of the area. However, police gathered and released surveillance photos of the man they believe is responsible for the attack.

The suspect is described as a male between the ages of 25 and 29 years old, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, 150 pounds with black hair. Surveillance footage shows him with a face mask below his nose, wearing a black jacket and black pants.

The Police Department is calling on the public for help in identifying and locating the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.