$25,000 Reward Offered to Catch Rapist

An Orange County resident has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a rapist who attacked a woman this week during her predawn walk by Costa Mesa’s Fairview Regional Park.

The reward is the largest offered in the city by a private individual, said Lt. Ron Smith of the Costa Mesa Police Department. The resident, who read about the attack, asked not to be identified.

A 35-year-old woman was attacked about 5:30 a.m. Monday while following her usual routine of a brisk walk before daylight, police said.

She was walking north on the sidewalk along Placentia Avenue, bordering the park, when a man grabbed her and pulled her into a clump of weeds to sexually assault her.

Police say incidents of violence are rare at the park, which lies between the Costa Mesa Golf Course and the Santa Ana River.

The area is popular as a place to stroll, jog or walk dogs.

The attack stunned nearby residents. Some women who heard about it said they have altered their routine of walking alone before daylight.

The police have advised that people walking at that hour do so in groups of two or more.

Costa Mesa police are still investigating Monday’s attack. Fliers about the reward have been posted in the area.

The attacker is described as in his 20s, about 6 feet tall with a medium build.

“If anyone has any information about this incident, no matter how minor it might seem, please give us a call,” Smith said.

The lead investigator on the case is Det. Russ Rose, (714) 754-5364.