Suspect arrested on suspicion of assaulting several women hiking at the Calavera Preserve

The Carlsbad Police Department has arrested 22-year-old Felix Blanco of Oceanside for allegedly striking women on their buttocks as he passed them at the Calavera Preserve in Carlsbad.

Authorities say they received several reports of a male suspect riding an electric bike approaching women hiking on the trail and then assaulting them.

Blanco was arrested Friday, Jan. 30, following reports of a similar incident, and a description provided by the victim.

It is unknown how many victims were targeted by Blanco, but he was arrested and charged with 7 counts of assault. He is booked at the Vista Detention Facility.

The suspect is expected to appear in court for the first time on Tuesday, Feb. 3.