Police arrested a man Thursday in connection with the sexual assault of a woman at a Santa Ana bus stop over the weekend, officials said.
Nick Alvarez Hernandez, 27, of Santa Ana, is seen during his arrest on Jan. 10, 2019. (Credit: Santa Ana Police Department)
The assault occurred Saturday night at a bus station outside the MacArthur Village condo complex, near the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Bristol Street, Santa Ana Police Department Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.
The victim, a woman in her 50s, was sitting at the covered bus stop when the man approached her and sexually assaulted her, authorities said.
Detectives identified Nick Alvarez Hernandez, 27, of Santa Ana as a suspect in the attack, on Thursday, police said in a written statement. Then began the stakeout.
"Detectives conducted hours of surveillance and arrested Hernandez at his workplace in the city of Irvine," according to the statement. "Santa Ana Police detectives stopped Hernandez’ vehicle as he left work and took him into custody."
The suspect in a violent and brazen sexual assault in Santa Ana is seen in a composite sketch a still of surveillance video released by police on Jan. 8, 2019.
The suspect's behavior at a nearby restaurant just before the attack helped investigators identify him, officials said.
"On the night of the assault, Hernandez went to the Buffalo Wild Wings at 3800 South Bristol (Street), just blocks from where the attack occurred," the police statement said. "Hernandez was asked to leave the restaurant for his belligerent behavior. Evidence from the restaurant helped lead to Hernandez’ identity."
A search of Hernandez home turned up a Dallas Cowboys football jersey with the number 82 written on the back that strongly resembled the one worn by the attacker in surveillance camera images previously released by police, authorities said.
Bail for Hernandez was set at $1 million pending his initial court appearance, officials said.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Gerry Corona at 714-245-8343 or gcorona@santa-ana.org. Anonymous tips may be submitted via 855-847-6227.