SAN YSIDRO, Calif. — A local barber in the border community of San Ysidro, just north of Mexico, has been arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a client who was later identified as an undercover police officer, authorities said.
According to investigators, the incident occurred earlier this week inside a small neighborhood barbershop near the busy San Ysidro Port of Entry. The suspect, identified as Anthony Javier Cruz, a 24-year-old licensed barber, is accused of inappropriately touching the client during what began as a routine haircut.
Police say the client, who was working in an undercover capacity at the time, immediately recognized the behavior as criminal and signaled for backup once it was safe to do so. Officers responded to the scene and took Cruz into custody without incident.
Authorities say Cruz is being held on suspicion of sexual battery. Detectives are now investigating whether there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with similar experiences at the barbershop to come forward.
“This type of behavior is a violation of trust and personal safety,” a spokesperson for the department said. “We take allegations like this seriously, regardless of where they occur.”
The barbershop has since been closed temporarily as the investigation continues. It remains unclear how long Cruz had been operating at that location or whether complaints had previously been filed.
San Ysidro, a heavily trafficked border district in southern California, is known for its high volume of daily crossings and tightly knit local businesses. News of the arrest has quickly spread through the community, raising concerns among residents about safety in everyday spaces.
Cruz is expected to be arraigned later this week.
