Man wanted in connection with three sexual assaults in Santa Ana

Police were searching Saturday for a 31-year-old man suspected of sexually assaulting at least three women in Santa Ana.

Carlos Olivares was charged in an arrest warrant for sexual battery and false imprisonment, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

Police issued surveillance video of the suspect last month, prompting tips from the public that helped investigators identify Olivares. DNA evidence also allegedly linked him to the incidents, Bertagna said.

When police went to Olivares' residence in the 1600 block of Highland Street, he was gone, Bertagna said.

Olivares is a Latino man who is 5-foot-6 and weighs about 150 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes and a scar on his chin.

The suspect, who told two victims his name was Victor, assaulted women on Sept. 4, Oct. 7 and Jan. 1, according to Bertagna.

The September attack happened just after 11 p.m. at Raitt Street, south of McFadden Avenue, Bertagna said. The suspect tried to start a conversation with a woman before grabbing her, pinning her against a tree out of sight of potential witnesses and then molesting her, Bertagna said.

The woman was able to get away by scratching the suspect's face and yelling for help, he said.

The October attack happened in a parking lot at 3701 S. Bristol St. Police posted surveillance video of this attack on YouTube.

The suspect again tried to spark a conversation with the victim, telling her his name was Victor, Bertagna said. When the two got between parked cars, he molested her, prompting the victim to shout for help from security as the man ran away, Bertagna said.

The third attack happened about 10 p.m. at Raitt Street north of McFadden on New Year's Day, Bertagna said. The suspect tried to start up a conversation and introduced himself as Victor, he said.

The woman punched him in the face as he groped her, Bertagna said. The suspect pushed the woman down and ran away, the corporal added.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Olivares was asked to call the Santa Ana police at (714) 245-8665 or Detective Javier Aceves at (714) 245-8542. Anonymous tips may be made through Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

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