A 26-year-old man is accused of simple battery against two female runners on Clearwater Beach.
According to police, Anthony A. Mazariegos Liquidano chased down two different female runners early Saturday morning. Police said he asked one to play tag and attempted to lure the victim in the beach dunes. He also wrapped the victim in a "bear hug," police said.
Officers said he asked the other victim to be his friend and slapped the victim's hand and buttocks. These occurred about a half hour apart on the sand near the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue.
When police responded, officers said the suspect tried to run from them. In addition to two counts of simple battery, Mazariegos Liquidano also faces a count of resisting arrest without violence.
Police say runners should carry a cell phone and run with a partner when they can.