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Assault suspect arrested

Post Date:01/30/2026 10:00 PM

NEWS FROM THE CITY OF CARLSBAD POLICE DEPARTMENT

For immediate release

January 30, 2026

Assault Suspect arrested

CARLSBAD, Calif. – The Carlsbad Police Department has arrested a male suspect believed to be responsible for several assaults targeting women at the Calavera Preserve over the past few weeks.

During this time, the Police Department received reports of a male subject riding an electric bicycle who allegedly approached female trail users from behind and struck their buttocks as he passed.

On 1/30/26, officers responded to a report of a similar incident at the Calavera Preserve. Officers arriving in the area located a suspect matching the description provided by the victim. Following an investigation, the suspect was taken into custody.

The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Felix Blanco of Oceanside. He was arrested for 7 counts of assault and booked at the Vista Detention Facility.

The Carlsbad Police Department encourages anyone who may have experienced a similar incident, or who may have information related to these assaults, to contact Detective Nick Walker at nick.walker@carlsbadca.gov

Police media contact

Lt. Shaun Lawton at shaun.lawton@carlsbadca.gov

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Is the helicopter flying near your house?

Astrea helicopter

If ASTREA is broadcasting a message in your area, you can text “Hello” to (858) 866-HELO (4356) to receive the announcement by text.

ASTREA, the helicopter you may see or hear overhead at times, is one of the many tools we use to help keep our community safe. Operated by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, ASTREA supports us when an aerial view is needed, and we’re grateful to call on their assistance often.

We may request ASTREA’s help to search for someone connected to a crime, locate a missing at-risk child or senior or provide an overhead view of a serious incident such as a traffic collision.

While ASTREA offers valuable support from above, the majority of the work is done on the ground by our officers, who are actively working in the area.

We understand that announcements from the helicopter can sometimes be difficult to hear or understand. To help, the Sheriff’s Department offers a service called AutoHelo.

We may also use social media and other communication tools to keep you informed or to ask for your help when needed. Most importantly, if there’s ever something you need to know or do, we’ll make sure the message reaches you through every available channel.

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Assault suspect arrested