The following information has been provided by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department:

(Updated information: suspect arrested)

The suspect, Marcos Ortega, was apprehended on May 02, 2008 about 4:40 p.m. at a park located at Florence Place and Emil Avenue in Bell Gardens.

The Inland Regional Apprehension Team (I.R.A.T.) was able to track and locate Ortega and with the assistance of the Bell Gardens Police Department, Ortega was taken into custody without incident.

Ortega was transported back to Riverside County where he was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.

(Original report)

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Lake Elsinore Police Department would like to thank the public for their help in identifying this sexual assault suspect.

Detectives were able to positively identify the suspect as Marcos Esteban Ortega, 39 year-old resident of Lake Elsinore. After receiving this information, detectives started to track Ortega and were unable to locate him. Detectives believe Ortega is on the run and trying to avoid capture.

Marcos Ortega is believed to be driving a black 1996 Nissan Maxima, 4-door sedan, with California license plate 5CMH307.

On April 14, 2008, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station received a call from the Corona Police Department in reference to a female victim who was sexually assaulted. The case was referred to detectives with the Lake Elsinore Police Department. Detectives were able to collect items of evidence and are now seeking the public’s help in apprehending a dangerous suspect.

The 16 year-old victim told detectives that on Saturday, April 12, 2008, about 10 p.m., she was looking for someone to drive her to San Diego to visit some friends.

She accepted a ride from a Hispanic male driving in a dark blue compact sedan from a gas station on Magnolia and Interstate 15, City of Corona.

The suspect drove the victim to another gas station located at Nichols Road and Collier Ave., City of Lake Elsinore. The suspect walked into the store with the victim and purchased some items. The suspect was caught on surveillance video taken from the business.

The suspect shortly thereafter took the victim to a business center parking lot on the east side of Interstate 15 at Baxter Road and sexually assaulted her.

The victim told detectives that the suspect had numerous photos of children in his vehicle. She said he gave her the first name of “Marcos” and told her he was a mechanic in the area. After the sexual assault, he drove her to San Diego where he dropped her off.

Anyone who may recognize the suspect or have any additional information about this incident is encouraged to call Detective Joe Greco with the Lake Elsinore Police Department at (951) 245-3395.