Police Arrest Suspect Connected to Multiple Reports of Unlawful Sexual Contact

Released on Thursday, September 26, 2024

On August 6, 2024, at approximately 8:41 a.m., Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) responded to the 1200 block of West Prospect Road in reference to a sex offense. A female reported being groped by a male who then fled the area on foot.

Officers contacted the victim and learned the suspect made advances at her while she was walking along the sidewalk. She declined the suspect's advances and walked away from him. A short time later, she was reapproached by the suspect and he forcefully grabbed her buttock before running away. The suspect was described as a tall, thin, dark-skinned male in his twenties.

A second female victim described a similar interaction with a male who matched the description of the suspect from the earlier report. During this interaction, the suspect asked if he could "slap" the victim's buttock. The victim told him "No" and walked away. A short time later, the suspect ran from behind the victim and forcefully grabbed her buttock before running away.

During the course of the investigation, officers identified Ronald Wilder (dob: 09/08/1995) as the suspect. Wilder was unknown to either of the victims.

On September 13, 2024, officers with the FCPS Strategic Operations Group (SOG) and District One Patrol located and arrested Wilder. He was booked at the Larimer County Jail on the following charges:

· Class 1 Misdemeanor - Unlawful Sexual Contact (2 counts)

Wilder posted a $250 cash bond and was released from jail.

"Sexual contact like this is not an everyday occurrence in this city and it is unacceptable behavior," said Lieutenant Kelly Weaver, who oversees SOG. "We want our community to feel safe. Remember, if you see something, say something."

Fort Collins Police believe there could be other victims. Anyone with additional information as it relates to this incident or similar incidents involving Wilder are asked to contact Corporal Mike Harres, at (970) 416-2372.

Charges are merely an accusation by law enforcement and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.