Palo Alto police seek suspect in downtown sexual battery

Authorities obtained surveillance footage of the alleged perpetrator who fled the scene near University Avenue

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Palo Alto police are asking for the public's help after a woman sleeping on University Avenue reported being sexually battered by a man who then fled the scene around 2 a.m. on February 19. Officers have obtained surveillance footage of the suspect and are urging anyone with information to contact the department or leave an anonymous tip.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing public safety concerns in Palo Alto's downtown area, which has seen a rise in property crimes and other disturbances in recent years despite overall declining crime rates in the city. The police are seeking the public's assistance to identify and apprehend the suspect to prevent further such incidents.

The details

According to the police report, the alleged sexual battery occurred near the intersection of University Avenue and Emerson Street. The victim, a woman who was sleeping on the street, reported being assaulted by an unknown male suspect who then fled the scene. Authorities have obtained surveillance footage that they believe shows the suspect, but have not yet identified him.

  • The incident happened around 2 a.m. on February 19, 2026.

The players

Palo Alto Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the alleged sexual battery incident and seeking the public's help to identify the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to contact the department or leave an anonymous tip. Authorities hope that the surveillance footage will help lead to the identification and apprehension of the alleged perpetrator.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing public safety concerns in Palo Alto's downtown area, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation to address issues of crime and disorder in the city's urban core.