Hunt Continues for Mission Viejo Rapist

Investigators are continuing to look for a man who attempted to rape a woman in broad daylight as she hiked along the Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo last week.

The woman was able to fight off her attacker and escape to safety, but the attack shook the community. The attack happened May 11 at 3:30 p.m. near Marguerite Pkwy. and La Paz Road.

“We worked that area pretty much around the clock for almost seven days after that event but we weren’t able to find the suspect,” said Orange County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Mark Stichter.

To reassure the community, the department put out a statement Wednesday outlining some of the efforts being taken.

“Oso Creek Trail is a popular walking and jogging trail for many South County residents, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is committed to preserving the trail as a safe destination. Since the attempted sexual assault, OCSD Special Victims investigators have worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend the suspect. Interviews, surveillance and undercover investigations have been conducted daily since the incident. During this ongoing investigation, many subjects were detained and subsequently ruled out as the suspect.”

Detectives followed up on leads, undercover officers patrolled, and anyone who fit the suspect description was question, said Stichter.

The suspect is described as male, unknown race, 5’10”, possibly 50 years old, husky build, black flat top hair cut wearing a white shirt, khaki pants and work boots.

Anyone with information about the case or the suspect should call call the Department Commander at 714-628-7170. Anonymous tips can be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

Authorities continue to remind residents to be careful and to walk in groups.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons