Tips to keep you safe while hiking local trails

A female hiker was assaulted just after 9 a.m. on Monday morning on the Bear Creek Trail in La Quinta.

The woman was grabbed in a sexual manner as she was walking along the trail. The victim chased after the suspect but lost sight of the suspect on the north end of Avenida Carranza.

The sheriff’s department said there are some simple steps you can take to stay safe.

“Try not to come alone. Bring a group together. If you’re going alone, let someone know where you’re going, who you’re with. Try not to be distracted. If you’re going to listen to music, try to just have one headphone in, so you can hear. And be vigilant of your surroundings as well,” Deputy Armando Munoz said.

We asked hikers what they do to protect themselves.

“Well, in the mountains, at least two of us go. And just be aware of your surroundings and we go out when people are out,” said Judy Gertz from Chicago.

Officials said the most important thing anyone can do is to just be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are.

“It can occur anywhere. At the workplace, at the store. When a certain person has that intention, they do it no matter where they’re at,” Munoz said.

The sheriff’s department is still investigating but they don’t believe there’s any threat to the public. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 20 to 25 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches, with a slim build, short dark hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760)-863-8990.