A morning hike turned into a nightmare when a 77-year-old man allegedly groped a woman on a popular trail.
Police believe 77-year-old Toai Pham may have targeted other women on the Mount Rubidoux trail before his recent arrest.
Walking alone in nature is supposed to be a peaceful escape from the world. For one hiker in Riverside, that sense of safety was shattered in an instant.
What Happened
On the morning of March 9, a woman was hiking on the Mount Rubidoux trail. She says 77-year-old Toai Pham approached her and touched her without her consent.
The woman was not hurt, but she reported the incident to the police right away. Officers later arrested Pham, who was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.
He was released after posting $5,000 bail. Police say Pham is a regular at the trail during the early morning hours.
What the money/evidence shows
- Suspect age: 77 years old.
- Bail amount: $5,000.
- Incident date: March 9, 2026.
- Location: Mount Rubidoux trail, Riverside.
- Charge: Sexual battery.
The Bigger Question
Why did it take an official police report for this man to be stopped? Online forums and neighborhood apps had been buzzing with warnings about his behavior for some time.
We have to ask if our local safety systems are actually listening to the community. When people share warnings on apps like Nextdoor, are those red flags ever reaching the people who can actually stop a predator?
The Other Side
Pham has not yet provided a public statement regarding the specific incident on the trail. Because he has been released on bail, he is currently free to move about while the investigation continues.
What Happens Now
Police are actively asking anyone else who may have had a similar encounter with Pham to come forward. This information is vital for detectives to build a complete picture of his actions.
For regular hikers, this serves as a tough reminder to stay aware of your surroundings. If you see something that feels wrong, report it to the authorities immediately.
What We Still Don't Know
- How many other women may have been targeted by this man?
- Why were previous reports on social media not acted upon sooner?
- Will more formal charges be added as the investigation grows?
Source Note
All charges are allegations - Toai Pham is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Transparency notes
Published: May 20, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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