Detectives seek man who grabbed hotel worker in Rancho Santa Fe

A man grabbed a female hotel employee by the arm in a parking lot in Rancho Santa Fe on Tuesday, Aug. 25, then fled before deputies could find him, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said.

Detectives with the North Coastal Sheriff's Station are now asking the public to help identify the suspect as they continue investigating the reported battery at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

The incident happened just after noon at the hotel, located in the 5900 block of Linea Del Cielo, according to the sheriff's office. The man approached the employee in the hotel parking lot and grabbed her by the arm. She quickly pulled away and ran inside the Inn to call for help.

Deputies from the North Coastal Station responded to the scene. The station serves Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and Solana Beach.

With support from the Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter, an aerial unit used for searches and pursuits, deputies searched the surrounding area. They did not locate the man.

Suspect description

The sheriff's office described the suspect as a 60-year-old white man with white hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue polo shirt and khaki shorts.

The department announced the incident on Wednesday, Aug. 26, and said it appears to be isolated. No information indicates an ongoing threat to the public, the sheriff's office said.

Detectives are continuing the investigation and working to identify the man involved. The sheriff's office did not name a lead detective or spokesperson in its announcement.