Update: Teen Boys Arrested on Multiple Charges for Double Sexual Assault

Updated: 3:52 p.m. Friday.

Police have arrested two 16-year-olds in connection with the sexual assault of two teenage girls in a Rancho Peñasquitos park over the Labor Day weekend, it was announced on Friday.

The teenage boys—who were arrested on Thursday, one a student in the Poway Unified School District—will appear in juvenile court sometime next week on multiple charges, San Diego Police Department Lieutenant Rudy Tai said.

According to Tai, one teen, who lives in Rancho Peñasquitos about 100 yards from the crime scene, was arrested Thursday morning. Later in the day, the second teen was arrested in Palm City and is from National City. Tai said police were led to the suspects through interviews with witnesses, but said DNA did not play a role in leading police to the boys. Tai also noted that officials do not believe the suspects knew the victims.

The alleged victims in the case, 15- and 16-year-old girls, were at a family gathering on the 12600 Spindletop Road in Rancho Peñasquitos when they left to go talk at a nearby park, police said. While sitting under a tree, they were approached from behind by two suspects who took them to a secluded area at knifepoint and sexually assaulted them, police said.

Assistant Chief Cesar Solis said the speedy arrests were the results of cooperation with the victims and witnesses.

"The two girls demonstrated courage, composure and cooperation in this investigation," he said.

Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, who represents Rancho Peñasquitos, called the crime "horrific."

"Ensuring public safety is my number one priority," she said. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families and I wish them a speedy recovery."

As juveniles, police will not release the identities or charges the suspects are facing.