Irvine – Irvine Police Department detectives are searching for a suspect involved in two sexual battery cases that occurred in the Woodbury area in the past two days. The suspect is described as a white male in his early 20s; 5 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet tall; thin or medium build; wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants; and riding a skateboard.
On Monday night at approximately 8:15 p.m., a woman was jogging at Rolling Green and Statuary when she heard a subject ride up behind her on a skateboard. The suspect shoved her to the ground and covered her mouth with his hands as she screamed. When the suspect was unable to keep her from screaming, he stood up and touched her in a sexual manner. The suspect then fled the scene on his skateboard.
Later Monday night, the Irvine Police Department received a report of a similar incident that occurred Sunday evening. In that incident, which occurred sometime between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m., a female jogger at Groveland and Townsend was groped by a man riding past her on a skateboard. The suspect in that case matched the description of the suspect in Monday’s case.
The Irvine Police Department is aggressively investigating this case and will increase patrols in the area. Residents who live on the streets involved who have video surveillance footage from the time the crimes occurred are asked to contact the Irvine Police Department. Video from homes that face the Jeffrey Open Space trail are also sought. Any information should be communicated to Detective Keith Herter at 949-724-7183 or kherter@cityofirvine.org.