SJPD Arrests Suspect for Violent Sexual Assaults on Los Gatos Creek Trail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

MEDIA ADVISORY 

On June 4, 2025, at approximately 8:54 AM, San José Police Department Patrol Officers responded to the 1900 block of Willow Street following a report of a sexual assault that had just occurred on the Los Gatos Creek Trail near Leigh Avenue in the city of San José. The adult female survivor reported that she was walking on the trail when she was violently thrown to the ground by an unknown adult male in an unprovoked attack. The suspect then began to sexually assault her. The survivor was able to fight back, escape, and call for help.

Responding Patrol Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect, who fled immediately after the assault. The SJPD Sexual Assaults Investigations Unit (SAIU) responded and immediately launched a comprehensive investigation.

During the course of the investigation, a second adult female survivor came forward and reported a similar encounter—also on the trail, around the same time, and involving a suspect who matched the description from the initial attack. Detectives met with the second survivor and confirmed that both incidents involved the same suspect.

Due to the violent nature of the crime and the threat to public safety, SJPD mobilized all available resources to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for these heinous acts. Through their dedicated effort, Detectives identified the suspect as 21-year-old Pablo Chan. Investigators also learned Chan had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

On June 5, 2025, at approximately 4:24 PM, just under 32 hours after the initial incident was reported, Officers from the SJPD Special Operations MERGE Unit located and arrested Suspect Chan outside a commercial parking lot near Leigh Avenue and De Rose Way. He was subsequently booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for felony aggravated kidnapping, sexual assault, and the outstanding warrants.

The San José Police Department would like to recognize the coordinated and determined efforts of the Sexual Assault Investigations Unit, the Real Time Intelligence Center, the MERGE Unit, Covert Response Unit, Patrol Division, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Campbell Police Department, and the engaged members of our community. Their swift action resulted in the identification and apprehension of a dangerous suspect.

This case underscores the Department’s commitment to protecting the public, standing with survivors, and leveraging all available resources to ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice. SJPD remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the community through decisive action, collaboration, and an unwavering pursuit of accountability.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Detective Travaglione #4741 of the San José Police Department Sexual Assault Investigations Unit via email at: 4741@sanjoseca.gov or at (408) 277-4102.

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