A suspected child predator returned to the same Southern California discount store the day after allegedly groping a 9-year-old girl in the toy aisle, according to Santa Ana police.
The brazen reappearance has intensified a manhunt that began Sept. 26 inside a dd’s DISCOUNTS location in Santa Ana, where the unidentified man first targeted the child while she shopped with her family. The suspect, described as a Hispanic man between 50 and 60 years old, allegedly approached the girl in the toy section and repeatedly touched her buttocks with the palm of his hand, authorities said.
The terrified child broke free and ran crying for help. Officers responding to the store found the man had already vanished in an unidentified vehicle.
Employees at the Ross Stores-owned bargain retailer spotted the same man back inside the shop the following day and contacted authorities. The suspect slipped away again before officers could arrive, leaving investigators to obtain surveillance footage of his second visit.
Detectives now believe the man may live in the surrounding neighborhood, raising concerns that he remains in the area and could potentially strike again. The store sells clothing, shoes, household goods and children’s toys at discounted prices.
Police have not publicly identified the young victim and have announced no arrests in connection with the case. Investigators have also not disclosed whether the suspect has been linked to any other incidents.
The suspect was wearing a black baseball cap, a short-sleeved white plaid button-up shirt and black shoes at the time of the alleged assault. Authorities released his description in hopes that someone will recognize him.
Santa Ana police are urging anyone with information about the man’s identity or whereabouts to contact Detective A. Vera at 714-245-8349 or [email protected].
