77-Year-Old Suspect In RivCo Hiker's Sexual Assault Arrested At Driving Range: Police

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A man suspected in the sexual battery attack of a Mt. Rubidoux hiker in March was arrested and then released on bond, according to the Riverside Police Department Det. Steven Espinosa.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward and have shared his photo.

Toai Pham, 77, identified as the suspect in the attack, was identified and arrested at a local driving range on May 8. He was held at the Robert Presley Detention Center before his release and was slated to appear in court on June 23 to answer charges at the Riverside Superior Courthouse.

"If you have seen Pham or someone with a similar description approaching women around the area of Mt. Rubidoux, we encourage you to come forward," he said.

On Monday, March 9, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a reporting party contacted our Public Safety Communications Center to report a sexual battery that occurred around the area of Mt. Rubidoux.

The investigation revealed that Mr. Pham routinely hikes Mt. Rubidoux in the morning.

"The victim reported that Mr. Pham approached her and inappropriately touched her without consent," Espinosa said.

Anyone who may have additional information about this investigation is urged to contact Officer James Payne at (951) 353-7113 or JPayne@RiversideCA.gov.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile
app using the secure “Send a Message” feature. The app is available for download on both APPLE and ANDROID devices, the department advised.