East County News Service
May 4, 2026 (Poway) – Detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Child Abuse Unit are seeking public assistance in identifying a man who allegedly sexually battered an 11-year-old girl over the weekend.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m., Saturday, May 2 near the 13400 block of Midland Road in Poway. According to authorities, the victim was with a friend when the unknown male approached and battered her. The assault ended when the victim’s friend screamed for the man to stop, prompting the suspect to flee the scene on foot.
Sheriff’s deputies, K9 units and the ASTREA helicopter conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area, but the suspect remained at large as of Monday morning.
Investigators have released a description of the suspect in hopes that a member of the community might recognize him:
Race/Gender: Hispanic male
Age: About 25 to 35 years old
Physical Build: Medium build and complexion, roughly 5-foot-10
Appearance: Bald or shaved head
Clothing: Last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, black shorts and black sunglasses.
The Child Abuse Unit has taken over the investigation and completed a canvas of the neighborhood. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.
The Sheriff’s Child Abuse Unit can be reached at (858) 285-6222 and the after-hours line is (858) 868-3200. Anonymous tips can be shared with San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.