Witness Sought In Brutal Newport Prosecutor Attack

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A possible witness is being sought in an August aggravated assault investigation where a Deputy District Attorney was beaten unconscious. On Thursday, Aug. 31, the woman (whose name was withheld) was jogging through Bob Henry PARK near 16th Street and Seagull Lane when she was brutally attacked just before 5:45 a.m. and beaten unconscious.

A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told City News Service on the day of the attack that the victim was about to give her closing argument in a gang-murder trial and may have been targeted by gang members.

The unnamed San Bernardino Deputy District Attorney stumbled into a gym nearby "covered in blood," according to witnesses. That morning, witnesses reported a man on a bike in the area. He was described as white or Hispanic, riding a red beach-cruiser-style bicycle.

"At the time of the incident, he was wearing shorts, white shoes, and a light-colored hooded sweatshirt," she reported. "The man was last seen riding his bicycle in the direction of Irvine Avenue."

Newport Beach Police are seeking an additional witness who may have been in the area and could provide additional information to investigators, according to public information officer Jennifer Manzella.

"Witnesses saw a man matching that description in the area, it is unknown what his involvement was that day," Manzella told Patch. "We are hoping that we can get in contact with that person through this outreach."

Read Also: Newport Prosecutor Beaten Unconscious On Morning Jog

Additional witnesses might also see the map of the incident area below, and could possibly realize they have information or might have seen something connected with the assault, Manzella said.

"NBPD Detectives are asking this person, or anyone who can help identify him, to come forward to assist in the investigation," she said. "We are also seeking any additional witnesses who were in the area at the time of the assault."

Anyone who can offer assistance is encouraged to contact Detective Joshua Vincelet at 949-644-3790.

Messages may also be left anonymously on the Police Department’s recorded hotline at 1-800-550-NBPD.

"We're really hoping with a little public outreach, this individual or someone who knows him will put us in contact with him," Manzella said.

Newport Beach Police Photo