Man Confronts 2 Boys With Knife, Attacks 1 In Ladera Ranch

LADERA RANCH (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Monday were searching for a suspect who allegedly confronted two 12-year-old boys with a knife and attacked one of them in an Orange County park.

The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Founders Park at Avendale Boulevard and Daisy Street, Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said.

The man, armed with a 3-4 inch knife, allegedly confronted the boys, who were sitting on swings in the park.

"One of them saw him immediately, ran off to get help. The suspect grabbed the second boy, drug him approximately 15 feet," Amormino said. "At knife-point, he ordered him to take off his pants, which he did. He then ordered him to take his underwear off."

The boy then threw wood chips into the suspect's face and fled wearing only his underwear and a t-shirt. He ran approximately one block away, where he waved down a passing motorist who helped him.

Deputies, who arrived a few minutes later, were unable to track down the suspect.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 20s. Authorities said he was wearing a bandana over his face, a blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and sandals.

If found, the suspect could face charges of assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping and child molestation, Amormino said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's department at (714)628-7170 or the tipline at (855)TIP-OCCS.

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