An incident of sexual assault reported in Encinitas has led to the arrest of a San Diego man yesterday. According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, the assault occurred when an unknown assailant approached a 17-year-old girl near the 600 block of 3rd Street after 2:30 p.m. on November 6. The suspect forced the victim to a nearby parking lot, where the assault took place inside a vehicle before the assailant fled.

The Sheriff's Sexual Assault Unit detectives, utilizing Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, were able to pinpoint the suspect and his vehicle swiftly. Following the identification, the San Diego Fugitive Task Force apprehended David Canfield, born October 11, 1985, in the 6300 block of University Avenue, San Diego. He faces charges of kidnapping and various counts of sexual assault. Investigations by the Sheriff’s Department are ongoing, and public assistance has been sought. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is calling for anyone with more information to come forward.

The San Diego Fugitive Task Force, a multi-agency team dedicated to apprehending individuals wanted for significant criminal offenses, made the arrest. Members of the public with information relevant to this case are urged to contact the Sheriff's Sexual Assault Unit at (858) 285-6222 or, after hours, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200.