SFPD Makes Arrest in Market Street Sexual Assault 20-143

On Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at approximately 6:30 PM, San Francisco Police officers from Tenderloin Station responded to the 900 block of Market Street for a report of a sexual assault. Officers located an unconscious 60-year-old female victim. The victim was taken to a local hospital for injuries. Officers met with several witnesses who reported that the victim had been sexually assaulted by an unknown male suspect in his 40's wearing dark clothing. One witness, who was in a passing bus, yelled at the suspect to stop. When witnesses got off the bus to help the victim the suspect had already fled the scene. In addition to witness statements officers obtained video surveillance that captured images of a possible suspect. These images of the suspect were disseminated to police officers to assist in the identification and location of the suspect.

On Thursday, December 17, 2020, within hours of the initial investigation, at approximately 1:08 AM, Tenderloin officers were patrolling the 300 block of Golden Gate Avenue when they observed a male walking on the street who matched the description of the sexual assault suspect. Officers detained the male who was positively identified as the suspect from the Market Street sexual assault. Probable cause was established and officers arrested the suspect who is 41-year-old Fidel Padilla of Livermore. Padilla was booked at San Francisco County Jail on one count of rape (261(a)(4) PC).

While an arrest has been made, this remains an open investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the SFPD 24-hour tip line at 1-415-575-4444. Language access services are available through this phone number. You may also Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. Callers may remain anonymous.