NEWPORT BEACH : Suspect Sought in Rash of Molestations

Police are seeking a man suspected of molesting several children near apartment complexes in school areas in the past two years, including an 8-year-old boy this week.

The latest victim was skateboarding in the 900 block of Baywood Drive at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday when he saw an adult magazine on the sidewalk.

When the boy picked up the magazine, a man confronted him and “began scolding him, (saying) he’s going to punish him,” said Police Sgt. Andy Gonis.

The man grabbed the frightened boy by the arm, went into some bushes and removed the boy’s pants and his own, Gonis said. The man then fondled himself while forcing the boy to watch.

He then fled, warning the boy not to emerge from the bushes until he was safely away, Gonis said. The boy was not physically harmed.

Police said there was a similar incident two years ago near another apartment complex in Newport Beach, and Irvine police said they are investigating several molestation cases committed by a man of similar description. The most recent Irvine case was in March.

“We believe it’s the same suspect because of the physical description and the (modus operandi) of the suspect,” Gonis said.

Police said the victims have been boys and girls ranging in age from 4 to 10. The molester is described as white, in his 30s, about 6 feet tall, weighing 175 pounds and having black hair. He is believed to have a black car with tinted windows.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Pat O’Sullivan at (714) 644-3754 or (714) 644-3717 during non-business hours.