Female jogger sexually assaulted near Stanford campus

Police searching for suspect described as having darker skin, brown eyes, and short hair

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:28am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a semi-automatic handgun lying on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the dangerous weapon used in a sexual assault near a college campus.A stark, gritty image of a handgun found at the scene of a sexual assault near Stanford's campus, highlighting the gravity of the crime and the need for heightened security measures.Stanford Today

A female jogger was sexually assaulted near Stanford University's campus on Sunday evening, according to an alert issued by the Stanford Department of Public Safety. The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. in the area of Mayfield Avenue and Santa Ynez Street, where the woman was grabbed, pushed into landscaping, and assaulted by a man described as having darker skin, brown eyes, short hair, and wearing dark jeans, a light-blue hoodie, and a thick braided bracelet on his left wrist. The suspect also had a semi-automatic handgun in his waistband.

Why it matters

Sexual assaults near college campuses are a serious concern, as they can have a traumatic impact on victims and raise broader questions about campus safety and security measures. This incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and preventative efforts to protect students and the surrounding community.

The details

According to the police report, the female victim was jogging when she was grabbed by the male suspect, who then pushed her into nearby landscaping and sexually assaulted her. The suspect was described as having darker skin, brown eyes, short hair, and being clean-shaven. He was wearing dark jeans, a light-blue hoodie, and had a thick braided bracelet on his left wrist. The suspect also had a semi-automatic handgun in his waistband.

  • The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • The attack was reported to authorities around 8:25 p.m. on the same day.

The players

Stanford Department of Public Safety

The campus police department that issued the alert about the sexual assault incident.

Victim

A female jogger who was the victim of the sexual assault near Stanford's campus.

Suspect

A man described as having darker skin, brown eyes, short hair, and wearing dark jeans, a light-blue hoodie, and a thick braided bracelet, who sexually assaulted the female jogger.

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What’s next

Stanford DPS is actively investigating the incident and searching for the suspect. They are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward and contact the department.

The takeaway

This sexual assault near Stanford's campus is a tragic reminder of the need for continued vigilance and safety measures to protect students and the surrounding community. It underscores the importance of reporting suspicious activity and cooperating with law enforcement investigations to help bring perpetrators to justice and prevent future attacks.