Orange County Sheriff’s investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man accused of sexually assaulting a girl in Rancho Santa Margarita on Friday night, Feb 25.

Around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Antonio and Rancho Santa Margarita parkways, the victim was walking along the sidewalk when the male suspect following behind on foot attacked her near a street, officials said Saturday.

The victim was able to call 911 and get to a nearby store. The suspect fled on foot down Antonio Parkway, according to Sgt. Ryan Anderson.

The victim was aware of her surrounding and detectives believe the call to 911 assisted with the suspect fleeing and the victim able to get to safety, said Anderson.

An extensive search was launched with air support and K-9 units around the area, but deputies were unable to located the suspect, described as a 6-foot white man in his 30s, weighing about 170 pounds with blue/green eyes. He was last seen wearing a black zip-up hoodie, black skinny jeans and high top shoes.

The victim did not report seeing a weapon, Anderson said.

Investigators believe this was an isolated incident and only one suspect is being sought, the Sheriff’s Department said. The investigation was ongoing.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.

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