Orange County Sheriff Linked Suspect In 2 Aliso Creek Trail Incidents Through DNA

Press release from the Orange County Sheriff's Department:

April 16, 2020

ALISO VIEJO, Ca. (April 16, 2020)- Using DNA technology, OrangeCounty Sheriff’s Department investigators have linked the suspect from two separate kidnapping and assault incidents that occurred along the Aliso Creektrail in the city of Aliso Viejo, and are seeking the community’s help to identifythe suspect.

The most recent incident occurred on Thursday, April 2, 2020 whendeputies responded to Woodfield Park after a woman reported a man grabbed herfrom behind and forced her into the bushes off the hiking trail, just east ofthe baseball fields. The victim, a female in her 30s, fought back and screamedfor help, and the suspect fled the area. The suspect is described as a man ishis mid-30s, with dark eyes and little-to-no hair, with a muscular build,wearing a black shirt, black shorts and tennis shoes.

On January 20, 2020 a sexual assault occurred in the same area. A22-year-old woman reported that while she was skateboarding at Woodfield Park,an unknown man attempted to talk to her then unexpectedly grabbed the victim,who fought and screamed during the incident.

Working with the Orange County Crime Lab, suspect DNA wascollected from both victims. This week, Investigators were notified that thesuspect DNA profiles matched, and that the suspect in both incidents is thesame individual but does not match DNA in existing law enforcement databases.

“With this new information, it’s vital that this individual isidentified and doesn’t have the opportunity to attack again,” said OrangeCounty Sheriff Don Barnes. “While our investigators continue their tirelessattempts to identify this suspect, we implore the community to come forward ifthey have any information to share.”

Following both incidents, the Orange County Sheriff’s Departmentset up a task force in an attempt to identify and arrest the suspect. A team ofmore than 100 Sheriff’s Department personnel ran multiple operations in thearea. In addition, investigators worked with local businesses on leadsand launched a public information campaign that included social media, traditionalmedia and text message alerts. Despite a concerted effort, the task forceoperations did not result in a suspect being identified.

If you have information or may be able to identify the suspect,contact the Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419. Anonymous information maybe provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

( View PDF )

This press release was produced by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.