The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has released surveillance images and two composite sketches of a Hispanic man, described as 30 to 40 years old, wanted in connection with the sexual battery of a 10-year-old girl in Poway on May 2. Authorities are asking residents to look closely at the images and call in any tips that might help identify the suspect or clarify the circumstances of the attack. The release comes as detectives continue to piece together what happened and where the suspect may have come from before or after the incident.
Sheriff’s investigators say the public images include still frames and artist renderings meant to jog recognition. The sketches are based on witness recollections and surveillance footage, and officials hope the combination will spark someone to come forward. Law enforcement emphasizes these are tools to find a suspect, not a final judgment, and any credible lead is being treated seriously.
The alleged assault occurred on May 2 in Poway, a community inside San Diego County, and the victim was a 10-year-old girl. Because of the victim’s age, authorities have been careful with details that could identify her, while still sharing enough to generate tips. Local investigators have urged anyone with information — even small details — to contact the sheriff’s office so detectives can follow up quickly.
Detectives are reviewing video, speaking with witnesses, and working with specialists to refine the timeline of the suspect’s movements. Footage from nearby cameras and neighborhood doorbell systems can be valuable, and the sheriff’s office has asked residents to check any recordings from around that date. Officials often rely on scattered pieces of information — a car description, an unusual jacket, or a passing interaction — to assemble the bigger picture.
The release of images has rattled neighbors and community leaders, who say safety for children is the top priority right now. Parents and caregivers in Poway and surrounding areas have been exchanging information and reminding each other to be extra cautious during daily routines. Community groups are also urging people to stay alert without jumping to conclusions, and to let law enforcement handle identification and arrest efforts.
For parents, plain steps can help lower the risk of predatory encounters: keep travel routes and play locations visible, travel in groups when possible, and make sure children know how to call for help. Practice short safety scripts with kids so they can respond confidently if approached. Simple habits — walking with a partner, setting expected arrival times, and teaching kids to notice their surroundings — matter more than you’d think.
If you think you recognize the man in the sketches or the surveillance stills, the sheriff’s office asks you to report it immediately and to share as many specifics as possible. Helpful details include where and when you saw the person, any vehicle information, or whether you noticed the individual loitering or acting oddly. Even tips that feel insignificant can connect dots for investigators who are building a case.
Authorities also remind the public that a person shown in an image or sketch is a suspect until a thorough investigation proves otherwise. The phrase “suspected of sexually battering” reflects that law enforcement has probable cause to investigate the allegation, and formal charges would follow only when prosecutors decide there is enough evidence. The criminal justice process aims to be both thorough and fair to everyone involved.
Support for the victim and family is being coordinated through county victim-witness services and local counseling providers, who offer trauma-informed assistance without exposing private details. Confidential resources are available to help minors and families cope with the immediate shock and to guide them through legal steps if they choose to pursue charges. Community organizations often step in with additional practical support for families in the aftermath of violent incidents.
Poway residents are being asked to remain calm but vigilant, to speak up if they see anything unusual, and to keep children’s routines visible and consistent. Law enforcement cannot solve these cases in isolation — public tips frequently lead to critical breakthroughs. If you have a tip, contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office so detectives can verify and act on the information.
