Man Arrested For Assaulting Women Hikers In Carlsbad: Police

CARLSBAD, CA — A man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting women hikers at Calavera Nature Preserve in Carlsbad, authorities said.

The suspect had been targeting women using a trail at the preserve over the past few weeks. During that time, police received reports of a man riding an electric bike who approached women using the trail from behind and struck their buttocks as he passed, according to the Carlsbad Police Department.

On Friday, police responded to a similar incident at the preserve. When officers arrived, they found a suspect who matched the description provided by the victim, according to the department.

After an investigation, the suspect, identified as Felix Blanco, 22, of Oceanside was arrested and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of seven counts of assault, police said.