Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attacking Children In Menifee
MENIFEE (CBSLA.com) — A 19-year-old man accused of attacking two children at a home in Menifee remained in custody on Wednesday.
Around 8 a.m. Tuesday, officers were sent to a home in the 29000 block of Camino Cristal for a report of an unknown trouble involving children.
According to the Menifee Police Department, authorities determined a male suspect entered the home and assaulted the children before fleeing from the scene.
During a search of the neighborhood, police located the suspect, who was later identified as Michael Orrantia of Menifee.
A preliminary investigation revealed Orrantia purposely followed the children, ages 12 and 10, who were feeding a neighbor's cat, authorities allege.
"I was at work and I got a call that my daughter had been attacked," said Jason, the children's father.
Because of the open investigation, the family and the Sheriff's Department have not revealed specific details about what happened.
The couple's 10-year-old son was able to escape during the incident, and notified his mother.
"He did exactly what you're supposed to do. Instead of freezing or trying to fight the person himself, he ran and got me," said Angel, the children's mother.
Both parents have asked CBS2 not use their last name.
"He was brave. He did what he needed to do," Jason said. "We're really proud of him."
Both children are said to be doing well.
"She's doing well right now. I think I'm more angry. My son, he spent the night with us, last night. He's a little more shaken up," Angel said.
Orrantia was arrested a few houses from where the incident unfolded. Authorities said the incident appears to be isolated and random.
Orrantia was booked at the Southwest Detention Center in Temecula and is expected to be charged with sexual assault on a child, false imprisonment, and burglary, authorities said.
No suspects remain at large.
Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Menifee Police Department at (951) 210-1000.
