Man sought in South Coast Plaza sexual assault turns himself in, no arrest yet

COSTA MESA, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - A man being sought as the predator who sexually assaulted a 24-year-old woman in the parking lot of the South Coast Plaza shopping center in Costa Mesa turned himself in to Santa Ana police Thursday morning, authorities said.

The 20-year-old man told police that "an acquaintance of his notified him that his picture was on social media," Costa Mesa police Lt. Paul Beckman said. "He checked social media and decided to turn himself into police."

The man's name was not immediately released.

"Costa Mesa police interviewed him, and detectives are continuing to follow up on the investigation," Beckman said this morning. "At this time, no arrest has been made, but the case is expected to be presented to the Orange
County District Attorney within the next few days."

Investigators went to the mall at 3333 S. Bristol St. about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday and learned that the suspect followed the victim to her vehicle and sexually assaulted her, Beckman said.

"The male fled on foot prior to police arriving on scene," Beckman said.

Police circulated security video of the suspect, along with his description.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Costa Mesa police Detective Brian Hernandez at (714) 754-5120.

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