Man accused of stalking, harassing women on San Francisco streets arrested, police say
Investigators have linked Bill Gene Hobbs to 14 incidents and believe he may be involved in cases dating back to Sept. 2021.
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A man who has allegedly been stalking and harassing women on the street in broad daylight across San Francisco has been arrested, police announced Friday.
Officers reportedly received a tip that information that 34-year-old Bill Gene Hobbs was on the 3200 block of Van Ness Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and Hobbs was taken into custody without incident, SFPD says.
Hobbs has been accused of roaming the streets for months, targeting women - chasing, touching and even kissing them. The victims and public took to social media, demanding he be stopped for good after minimal action from the city.
SFPD said Friday that they were able to connect Hobbs to 14 separate incidents, dating back to as early as Sept. 2022.
He's being charged with the following: felony false imprisonment, six counts of battery, two counts of assault, four counts of public nuisance, and three counts of sexual battery.
VIDEO: Alleged stalker harassing women on SF streets; victims demanding action from city
ABC7 News was on scene when police arrested Bill Hobbs at Aquatic Park.
"A United States park ranger spotted the suspect. He, in turn, called the U.S. Park Police, who apprehended the suspect," said SFPD Assistant Chief David Lazar.
For weeks, police had received multiple reports of a man matching Hobb's description following women around the city.
Residents took to Nextdoor and social media - posting photos of a man they believed to be Hobbs.
"Who's been going all throughout the city harassing women, harassing young women. Touching them, making in appropriate gestures," Lazar.
Hobbs' has allegedly victimized women in several locations across San Francisco.
At least six people have filed police reports against him.
The city's district attorney, Brooke Jenkins, said he faces several potential charges.
"A felony false imprisonment charge. We have multiple battery charges, sexual battery," Jenkins said.
In the city's Marina District, word of Hobbs' alleged activities have caused a heightened sense of anxiety among many female residents.
But news of his arrest coming as a relief for many Friday night.
"I mean in the neighborhood, it's surprising in the Marina. I honestly think of walking around the Marina as being in like downtown Disney - super safe," said Emma Mackey.
In a tweet, Jenkins said she would push for pre-trial detention.
She also thanked the victims for coming forward to help ensure Hobbs was caught.
"It is to their credit that we've been able to actually do what we need to to proceed with charges against him," Jenkins said.
The reported incidents began in the city as early as Sept. 2022.
If you believe you have been a victim or have information about this investigation, please call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.
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