Menifee Man Arrested After Alleged Assault on Young Girl

Michael Orrantia, the suspect in an alleged sexual assault of a neighbor child, is led to a patrol car Tuesday morning. (Photo provided by a neighbor who requested anonymity).

A 19-year-old Menifee man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of burglary, sexual assault on a child and false imprisonment, authorities said.

Michael Orrantia was booked into the Southwest Detention Center. The age of the child was not released to the media and no details were released about the victim's condition. According to police, officers learned that the suspect purposely followed unsuspecting children inside a residence in the 29000 block of Camino Cristal, where the assault occurred. During the assault, one child was able to escape and notified a parent; the suspect fled the location prior to police arrival.

Shortly after the suspect was taken away, investigators began interviewing neighbors, including a resident who may have captured part of the incident on home surveillance cameras.

Another local resident who asked not to be identified told Menifee 24/7 that the victim was a young girl and the suspect lives just a few doors away. The source said the girl and a sibling went outside to feed a cat about 7:30 Tuesday morning. They went back inside and the suspect entered the residence through the unlocked front door, grabbed the girl and tried dragging her upstairs, the source said. He allegedly fled when discovered by the girl's mother.

According to the source, the tried hiding between some cars parked in a neighbor's driveway, ran across the street and was soon apprehended by police.

Authorities say this appears to be an isolated incident and no suspects are outstanding. Parents are reminded to have discussions with their children about personal safety, always being aware of their surroundings and having a plan of action if contacted by a stranger.

Information regarding the "Stranger Danger" program can be found at the Perris Sheriff's Station and at this website. Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Master Investigator Roman Pluimer at the Menifee Police Department by calling 951-210-1000, or by emailing PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org