A suspected creep allegedly repeatedly groped a nine-year-old girl in the toy aisle of a Southern California discount store before fleeing, then brazenly returned to the same shop the very next day.
The disturbing encounter unfolded Sept. 26 at a dd’s DISCOUNTS store in Santa Ana, where the child was shopping with her family, according to the Santa Ana Police Department.
The unidentified man allegedly approached the child as she browsed the toy section and repeatedly touched her buttocks with the palm of his hand, authorities said.
The terrified girl managed to escape the suspect’s reach, running away and crying out for help.
But by the time officers arrived at the store, the alleged predator had already vanished, fleeing in an unidentified vehicle.
Police have released a description of the man in hopes that someone will recognize him and help authorities put a name to the face.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic man between 50 and 60 years old who was wearing a black baseball cap, a short-sleeved white plaid button-up shirt and black shoes at the time of the alleged assault.
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Detectives are scrambling to track down the mystery man, who apparently wasn’t deterred from returning to the scene of the alleged crime.
Santa Ana police told the California Post that employees at the discount retailer reported seeing the suspect back inside the store the following day.
Workers contacted authorities, but the man had once again disappeared before officers could catch up with him.
Investigators believe the suspect may live in the surrounding neighborhood, raising concerns that he could still be lurking nearby.
The chain, owned by Ross Stores, is a bargain retailer that sells everything from clothing and shoes to household goods and children’s toys.
Authorities have not publicly identified the child, and police have not announced any arrests in connection with the case.
Investigators obtained surveillance footage of the suspect coming back the next day. It remains unclear if the suspect has been linked to any other incidents.
Santa Ana police are urging anyone who recognizes the man or has information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is asked to contact Detective A. Vera at 714-245-8349 or Avera5@santa-ana.org.
The investigation remains ongoing.
