Carlsbad Police Arrest Oceanside Man Suspected in Multiple Calavera Preserve Trail Assaults Over Recent Weeks
Arrest follows reports of repeated trail incidents at Calavera Preserve
A 22-year-old Oceanside man was arrested in Carlsbad on suspicion of assault after a series of reported incidents involving women on trails at the Calavera Preserve, authorities said.
The Carlsbad Police Department identified the suspect as Felix Blanco. Police said the arrest followed an investigation into multiple reports received over recent weeks alleging that a man riding an electric bicycle approached female trail users from behind and struck their buttocks as he passed.
What police say happened and how the suspect was located
Police said the reported incidents followed a similar pattern over several weeks. On Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, officers responded to a new report of a comparable incident at the Calavera Preserve. Officers arriving in the area located a suspect matching the description provided by the victim and took him into custody following an investigation.
Blanco was arrested for seven counts of assault and booked at the Vista Detention Facility, police said. A first court appearance was expected on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.
Police described the suspect as using an electric bicycle and approaching female trail users from behind before striking them as he passed.
Case status and what remains unknown
The arrest reflects allegations and does not represent a conviction. Charging decisions and any future court proceedings will determine how the case moves forward.
Authorities have not publicly detailed the precise dates and times of each reported incident, the specific locations within the preserve, or whether investigators believe additional victims may exist beyond the incidents reflected in the seven assault counts.
Community context and safety considerations on shared-use trails
The Calavera Preserve is a popular outdoor area with trails used by hikers, runners, and cyclists. Reports describing an alleged pattern of contact assaults on a public trail highlight challenges that can arise on shared-use paths where trail traffic moves at different speeds and interactions can be brief.
In situations involving alleged public-trail assaults, law enforcement typically relies on rapid reporting, clear suspect descriptions, and any available witness or video information to help identify and locate a suspect.
How to report information
Police said anyone who experienced a similar incident or has information related to the reported assaults should contact the assigned investigator.
- Suspect: Felix Blanco, 22, of Oceanside
- Arrest date: Jan. 30, 2026
- Booked at: Vista Detention Facility
- Allegations: seven counts of assault tied to reported incidents at the Calavera Preserve
The investigation remained ongoing following the arrest.