Authorities on Monday released images from surveillance footage showing an individual suspected of sexually assaulting a man with autism inside a restroom at the San Juan Capistrano Public Library.
The attack happened just after 1:15 p.m. on April 16, when a man with autism went to use a restroom at the library, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. When he was inside, another man entered the room carrying papers and a manila envelope, sheriff’s deputies said.
He then sexually assaulted the man with autism, according to authorities.
The Sheriff’s Department said surveillance video shows the victim entering the restroom before a second man is seen going inside.
Later that day, the victim told a staff member in the supervised group for special needs adults that he was with, who were volunteering at the library. Once he told the staffer about the reported assault, authorities were contacted soon after.
Sheriff’s deputies have described the suspect as a man who weighs about 180 to 200 pounds and stands roughly 5 foot 9 inches. At the time of the reported assault, he was wearing blue jeans, black tennis shoes and a white long-sleeved shirt with an American flag on the front, sheriff’s deputies said.
“Really, what’s surprising about this is it’s just very brazen,” said Carrie Braun, a spokesperson for the department. “It’s the middle of the day at a public restroom in a public building and the suspect followed the victim.”
Anyone with information can contact Investigator Hernandez at 714-647-7464 or O.C. Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at 949-770-6011. Anonymous tips can be forwarded to 855-847-6227.
