Highland Man Violently Assaulted Woman He Met Online: RSO

TEMESCAL VALLEY, CA — A woman who met a man online was violently assaulted by him when they met up early last month in Temescal Valley, and investigators believe the accused may have more victims, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Gabriel Ray Hernandez, 23, of Highland pleaded not guilty on Aug. 21 to one count each of assault with a deadly weapon to cause great bodily injury, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse/co-inhabitant, and assault on a person causing great bodily injury — all felonies. He also denied a sentencing enhancement of domestic violence, and two enhancements of great bodily injury.

It's unclear how long Hernandez had been communicating with the victim when they agreed to meet Aug. 3 at her Temescal Valley home. Hernandez picked her up and drove to a remote area of Mountain and Horsethief Canyon roads in Temescal Valley. There is no indication, based on charges against him, that Hernandez took the woman against her will.

At some point during the get-together, however, "he assaulted her and struck her with a glass bottle," according to the sheriff's department.

It's not clear what led to the alleged assault. The victim's identity was not released.

In the hours that followed the alleged violence, authorities were contacted and summoned to the 27000 block of Barcelona Drive in Temescal Valley. Once there, deputies with the Lake Mathews Sheriff's Station interviewed the victim and determined she had "suffered significant trauma," according to the sheriff's department. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

An update on her condition was unavailable.

Hernandez was identified as the suspect. Jail records show that on Aug. 16 investigators tracked him down to Arrowhead Avenue in the city of San Bernardino and arrested him.

Hernandez is being held at Riverside's Robert Presley Detention Center in lieu of $140,000 bail. Riverside County court records show he is due to appear on Oct. 2 for a felony settlement conference.

Investigators believe Hernandez has more victims. Anyone who may have more information is asked to contact Investigator Pytell of the Lake Mathews Sheriff’s Station: 951-272-5600.