Suspect arrested for kidnapping and assault in Encinitas

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A man was arrested Thursday on kidnapping and several assault charges, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies say members of the San Diego Fugitive Task Force made the arrest on the 6300 block of University Ave.

Officers with the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station began an investigation Wednesday after a report was made at 600 3rd St. in Encinitas.

The investigation revealed that the suspect, David Canfield, approached a 17-year-old girl who was walking near the area. He demanded she walk to a nearby parking lot before forcing her into a car where he sexually assaulted her.

Canfield fled the scene after the incident. Detectives were able to quickly identify the suspect using the Automated License Plate Reader technology, the news release said.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is advised to call the Sheriff’s Sexual Assault Unit at (858) 285-6222 or after hours on the non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200.