San Diego police investigate a series of groping incidents around the city

San Diego police said Thursday the department is investigating a series of groping incidents reported in several neighborhoods, and they have arrested a 31-year-old man suspected to be connected to one of the incidents.

Investigators are looking into suspected incidents out of North Park, Pacific Beach and near the College Area, Officer Colin Steinbroner said. They are also checking whether there have been other reports of incidents with similar circumstances over the last month.

According Steinbroner, reports indicate a man would drive up and park, strip down to a T-shirt and tight shorts or spandex, go for a run, and expose himself to a female and grope her.

Police said the alleged assaults were highlighted in social media posts that gave a description of the assailant and warned women to be careful.  “Please walk with pepper spray and not alone,” one post read.

Officers arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of sexual battery Tuesday. The City Attorney’s Office said a case is under review.

Steinbroner said the department is encouraging people who experienced a similar encounter to contact police file a report “to ensure proper justice is served.”