AUSTIN, Texas — The Leander Police Department (LPD) is searching for a suspect after a teenage girl was sexually assaulted near Benbrook Ranch Park on Tuesday.
According to LPD, the incident occurred between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The victim was riding her bike along a wooded trail behind the park when the suspect allegedly grabbed her and sexually assaulted her.
The suspect is described as a white man who is around 5 feet, 11 inches tall and around 180 pounds. He has a brown buzzcut or close-cut hairstyle, a stubble beard and was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, blue jeans and gray shoes.
Leander police searched the area extensively, as did the department's K-9 unit, but they could not locate the suspect.
Because the case involves a minor, no additional details are being released by police at this time.
In response to the incident, LPD has increased patrols in the area and says its officers are working closely with the Leander Parks and Recreation Department to increase staff visibility and ensure that all suspicious activity is immediately reported.
“Anyone taking cellphone of their kids – or cellphone footage at all, because there is a softball baseball field in that same park, maybe there were filming a game – if can they review that footage and they can see if they captured a suspect matching that description," LPD Lt. Mike Mohler said. "There are houses, subdivisions close [by]. Maybe check surveillance video, see if a suspect had passed by surveillance video."
Janie Rodriguez – who has three children, including a daughter – was saddened to hear a teenage girl was sexually assaulted at the park. She visits the park with her kids often.
"It’s going to change her life forever. It’s really sad for parents, for her. It is scary," Rodriguez said. "It is scary, especially when you have little children."
Rodriguez said she always takes safety precautions.
"When we do the park, we go together. Always where I can reach them, where I can see them and go up to them quickly. That's why I tell them, 'Don't go too far.' They annoyed at me sometimes because I am like, 'Wait for, wait for me,'" Rodriguez said.
The incident appears to be isolated, but LPD said it is encouraging anyone visiting park areas to be vigilant and stay aware of their surroundings, while reporting suspicious activity to police immediately.
Anyone with information relating to the case is encouraged to contact Sgt. George at 512-528-3839 or ageorge@leandertx.gov.