BREAKING NEWS

A 27-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday morning on suspicion of sexual assault after he allegedly attacked a woman in front of her Costa Mesa home.

Around 1:30 a.m., a woman drove to her residence on Princess Court and was attacked by a man as she got out of her car, Lt. Clay Epperson said. The assailant dragged the woman to the ground and put her in a chokehold before forcing his hands under her clothing. Neighbors responded to the woman’s screams and the sounds of the attack, and the attacker fled.

Police arrested Byron Izzagurrie of Costa Mesa shortly after a pursuit with a helicopter. Izzagurrie was booked into Costa Mesa City Jail with his bail set at $1 million. He was charged with assault to rape and penetration with a foreign object.

The victim, who sustained minor scrapes and bruises, was treated and released.

“She didn’t have traumatic physical injuries, but this would be a very traumatic attack any way you approach it,” Epperson said.

He added that the neighborhood, located on the north side of Costa Mesa, was rarely a trouble spot.

“A stranger attacking somebody he doesn’t know is rare,” Epperson said. “The incidents occurring in Costa Mesa are few and far between, but the only real prevention is being proactive about security, being aware of your surroundings and using good judgment and caution.”