Police arrest man suspected of sexually assaulting women

An 18-year-old man was arrested last week on suspicion of sexually assaulting three women in separate incidents at The Shoppes in Carlsbad, and there may be other victims, police said Tuesday.

The first incident was reported recently, but occurred in May of last year at the mall on El Camino Real. A woman told police that a man approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her, Carlsbad police said.

Another incident was reported on Feb. 7. A second woman told police that a man followed her around the Macy’s department store and then walked up behind her and groped her, according to police. The man reportedly ran from the area after the incident.

About a month later, on May 2, a third woman reported an assault as she was leaving the shopping center. She told officers that a man followed her into the parking lot and, after she got into her vehicle, he groped her and ran off.

The woman chased the man, but he got away.

Carlsbad police arrested the 18year-old suspect on Friday. He was booked into jail on suspicion of three counts of sexual battery, one felony and two misdemeanors. He has since bailed out. His arraignment is set for May 16.

Anyone with information about the incidents or who believes they may have been victimized as well was asked to call Detective Dzung Luc at (442) 339-2173 or email him at dzung.luc@carlsbadca.gov.