SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A 34-year-old man who has allegedly stalked, sexually assaulted, and harassed at least 14 women around San Francisco was identified by police on Friday.

The San Francisco Police Department said its officers found and arrested Bill Gene Hobbs on Friday afternoon after officers received a tip that Hobbs was on the 3200 block of Van Ness Avenue. He was taken into custody.

Police wrote that “Beginning in September of 2022, a series of suspicious incidents directed towards women began occurring in San Francisco. In these incidents an unknown white male would approach female victims and make unwanted physical advances towards them. In many of the cases, the suspect would inappropriately touch the victim. The suspect would then immediately flee the scene. Believing the incidents to be related, a joint investigation was launched by the SFPD Special Victims Unit and General Work Unit.”

An alleged stalker is seen in a photo released by the University of San Francisco. (Image courtesy USF)

Earlier this fall, University of San Francisco officials issued a campus safety alert to students for three separate incidents involving Hobbs’ “inappropriate behavior” on campus. Hobbs is 6-feet, 4-inches tall.

“An individual who lives near campus is reportedly exhibiting inappropriate behavior around our campus and in other San Francisco neighborhoods. This individual is known to follow and try to talk to, hug, or touch people. The Department of Public Safety has had three contacts with this individual: on Feb. 17, 2022, July 1, 2022, and on Sept. 14, 2022,” USF officials wrote.

Prosecutors from the Sexual Assault Unit worked closely with members of the San Francisco Police Department and interviewed victims. Through the investigation, Hobbs was connected to 14 victims.

A San Francisco Superior Court judge issued an arrest warrant for Hobbs Friday morning on the following charges: felony false imprisonment, six counts of battery, two counts of assault, four counts of public nuisance, and three counts of sexual battery. 

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said, “I would like to thank the courageous women and men who came forward to share their stories and evidence with authorities so that we could build a case against Mr. Hobbs. Hobbs will be held accountable for the harassment and crimes he committed against women across San Francisco.”

This is an open and active investigation. If you believe you have been a victim or have information about this investigation, call the SFPD Tip Line at 415-575-4444, or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.