Man arrested after attacking 2 at Regional Park in Auburn

Editor's note: This story was updated at 12:23 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2026 to reflect the correct name of the park where the incident took place. A man was arrested May 23 in relation to an attack at Regional Park in North Auburn. An elderly woman in a wheelchair, who was fishing with her daughter and grandson, was knocked to the ground and briefly lost consciousness. According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, a second victim was also knocked to the ground and repeatedly punched in the head. A good Samaritan ran to assist after hearing the woman's cries for help and tackled the suspect. The Sheriff's Office reported the suspect was detained by the good Samaritan, with the help of another man at the park, until deputies arrived. Deputies responded to reports of an assault in progress at the park and found Michael Lee Appleberry, 49, restrained by the good Samaritans. According to the Sheriff's Office, Appleberry was staying at The Gathering Inn in Auburn and the investigation determined he assaulted both women. The Sheriff's Office reported Appleberry resisted arrest and later spit blood on medical personnel. According to the online arrest report, Appleberry faces charges of causing injury to an elderly adult, battery with serious bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest and battery on a person. Appleberry was scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. July 9 in Department 31 of the Placer County Superior Court in Roseville. "We commend the quick actions of the two good Samaritans whose intervention stopped the attack and likely prevented further injuries," the Sheriff's Office stated.