Police tape
San Diego, California – San Diego police have arrested a man accused of groping and exposing himself to multiple women in neighborhoods including Pacific Beach, North Park, and University Heights.
Erik Altamirano, 31, was taken into custody on Monday and charged with two felony counts of assault with intent to commit rape. His bail was set at $100,000. On Thursday, just before his scheduled arraignment, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office referred the case to the City Attorney’s Office for potential misdemeanor charges. The final charging decision is pending.
According to the San Diego Police Department, Altamirano has been linked to several incidents involving similar conduct. In each case, a man described as wearing jogging attire approached women in public spaces, groped them, and in some cases exposed his genitals before fleeing the scene.
Police began their investigation after multiple women filed reports with similar descriptions of the suspect. Some victims also shared photos and videos of the man on social media, which police say helped them identify and locate the suspect.
One incident occurred in Pacific Beach, where a woman said she was approached and assaulted while walking in an alley near Emerald Street. Another was reported near Garfield Elementary School in North Park, where a woman said she was grabbed during a daytime walk. At least six women have come forward with similar accounts, according to statements made to local news outlets.
Security camera footage provided by residents and shared online has circulated widely and was reviewed by investigators. The footage reportedly shows a man matching Altamirano’s description jogging near the scenes of the reported assaults.
The San Diego Police Department has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may be filed. Authorities are asking anyone who may have experienced a similar incident to contact the department at 619-531-2000.
Altamirano is currently in custody. His arraignment has not yet been rescheduled.
