Newport Beach Sex Attack May Be Tied to Others

A man who may have been involved in two other attacks tried to rob and sexually assault a woman early Friday but fled when her roommate came home, investigators said.

The man entered the woman’s Colton Street residence through an unlocked front door about 3:45 a.m., Police Sgt. Andy Gonis said. He was armed with a gun and threatened to rob and rape the woman, Gonis said.

But before the assailant could carry out his threats, the woman’s roommate entered the residence and surprised him, Gonis said. The man fled.

The incident was similar to two previous attacks, one that occurred Nov. 29 on 38th Street in Newport Beach and another Dec. 3 at an undisclosed address in Costa Mesa, Gonis said. Police in both cities are advising residents to keep their doors and windows locked at all times.

The assailant was described by police as an African American, 5 feet, 8 inches tall and about 190 pounds. He is stocky with short, black hair and may have a small mustache, Gonis said.

Anyone with information should call (800) 550-NBPD or (714) 754-5255.