San Rafael, CA – On Thursday, August 18, 2022, after an extensive five-hour search that took place this afternoon, San Rafael Police Officers captured Connor John Hanley, a 33-year-old San Rafael resident.  He was wanted in connection with an attempted sexual assault that took place earlier in the day.

Starting just before noon, the San Rafael Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a female hiker in the Boyd Park Open Space along the south-facing portion of San Rafael Hill.  The victim reported that a male suspect was threatening and following her on the open space fire road. 

Officers immediately responded into the open space to locate the victim and the suspect.  As officers were converging, a Marin County Radio technician working at the San Rafael radio tower advised our dispatch that they were watching the suspect and provided an additional suspect description.

Officers located the victim and began the investigation into what occurred.  During the investigation, it was determined that Hanley, who the victim does not know, physically grabbed and threatened to assault the victim sexually.  Fortunately, the victim was able to break free and call the police.

A few minutes later, additional officers located Hanley, who refused to stop and comply with directions.  Hanley threw a rock at an officer, and a foot pursuit ensued along the steep, heavily wooded hillside.  During the chase, Hanley burrowed into heavy brush and was no longer seen.  Officer established a large perimeter around the open space area and called for additional resources to assist.

A five-hour-long search ensued, which involved SRPD Officers, our K-9 Unit, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and their UAV Team, and the California Highway Patrol’s Helicopter.  

As a part of the search effort, SRPD broadcast a Nixle Alert to the San Rafael Hill and Downtown communities advising of the police activity and the suspect’s description.

Just after 5:00 PM, SRPD received 9-1-1 calls from the Culloden Park neighborhood, located at the southwestern base of San Rafael Hill, from several residents who observed the suspect.  SRPD Officers responded to the scene and took Hanley into custody without additional incident.

SRPD wishes to extend our appreciation to our vigilant residents and neighbors for assisting us with capturing this suspect.  This was a great example of “see something, say something.”

We also wish to extend our thanks to our law enforcement partners, who assisted us with the search for the suspect.

The victim was not physically injured in this incident, and supportive resources will be made available to her due to this case.

Connor John Hanley was booked into the Marin County Jail on charges of 220 PC – assault to commit sexual assault, 245(a)(1)PC – assault with a deadly weapon, 69 PC – aggravated resisting a peace officer, and 148(a)(1) PC – obstruct/resist a peace officer.  The case will be forwarded to the Marin County District Attorney’s Office.