Video, sketches released of suspect(s) in Aliso Viejo park assaults

Orange County sheriff’s officials released on Friday surveillance video and two sketches of a suspect accused of grabbing a 30-year-old woman on the Aliso Creek Trail in Woodfield Park.

He tackled the woman from behind and forced her into some bushes east of the baseball fields about 4:50 p.m. Thursday, sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. The suspect ran away after the woman fought back and screamed for help.

The same man may be responsible for a sexual assault that occurred in the same area of the Aliso Viejo park at 6 p.m. on Jan. 20. A 22-year-old woman was skateboarding when the suspect approached and attempted to talk to her and then grabbed the woman, who shouted and struggled to get free, an official said.

He pushed her to the ground and dragged her into bushes before running away, the official said.

In January, the Sheriff’s Department created a task force with 100 sheriff’s personnel to identify and arrest the suspect, Braun said.

Authorities asked that anyone with information call deputies at 714-647-7419. Orange County Crime Stoppers will accept anonymous tips at 855-TIP-OCCS.