Suspect in Palmdale sexual assault may be in Riverside County
A man suspected of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl at a Palmdale restaurant on New Year’s Day may have been spotted in Riverside County, authorities said Thursday.
The driver of a vehicle told authorities that a man apparently matching the suspect’s description was at the Promenade Mall on Monday afternoon, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said.
The man walked in front of the driver’s vehicle. Afterward, the driver realized that the man might be the sexual assault suspect and contacted law enforcement authorities.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Brian Hudson said the Palmdale assault took place inside the women’s restroom at a Denny’s restaurant in the 37000 block of 47th Street East.
He said the young girl was leaving one of the stalls when the man, who may be homeless, allegedly assaulted her. The man stopped and fled the restaurant when another person entered the restroom.
The suspected was described as a white male, 18 to 20 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 150 pounds. He has blond hair and walks with a noticeable limp, authorities said. He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt and dark shorts.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the sheriff’s Special Victim Bureau at (877) 710-5273. Anonymous tips can be made at (800) 222-8477. Temecula police can be contacted at (951) 696 3000.
Twitter: @LAJourno
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
