Police seeking suspect in Linda Vista break-in, sexual assault of child

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego police are searching for a man who who broke into a Linda Vista home early Thursday morning and sexually assaulted a young girl while she was sleeping.

Around 2 a.m., the suspect entered a residence located on Wellington Street through an open door, SDPD said. The Linda Vista neighborhood where the home is located is mostly military housing.

Details about what the man did while he was in the home are unclear at this time, although a spokesperson for the department confirmed he assaulted a young girl who lives at the home. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

According to SDPD, he was last seen wearing a dark jacket, possibly a windbreaker, and dark pants. He was described as about 5'8" or 5'9" in height, and about 160 to 180 pounds.

SDPD investigators have been on scene for upwards of seven hours since the break-in. As of 10 a.m., police officers were still at the home collecting evidence.

FOX 5 spoke with neighbors Thursday who expressed shock about the break-in.

"It’s a beautiful neighborhood, wonderful neighborhood," said one Linda Vista resident, Cassandra Brown. "I walk all the time and kids and everybody is just one big family."

"I saw the rope up and I said 'I just hope everybody is OK,'" she continued. "I just pray for whatever is going on.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident or video surveillance from the area is encouraged to call the Child Abuse Unit at 619-531-2210 or SDPD non-emergency line at 619-531-2000.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.