Santa Ana Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of sexually touching a woman inside the Target at 1330 E. 17th Street.
Detectives say the victim was shopping with her daughter on July 22 when the suspect walked past her, grabbed her buttocks, and then continued down the aisle while grabbing his groin over his shorts and staring at her.
The suspect is described as a Black male, 6’1”, about 200 pounds, black hair, black goatee, wearing a black shirt with a car logo and black shorts. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective K. Van Luven at [email protected] or 714‑245‑8346.
Likely Criminal Charges
Based on California law, the suspect could face several charges, including:
- Sexual battery — Penal Code §243.4. Intentionally touching an intimate part of another person for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. This can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances.
- Simple battery — Penal Code §242. Any unwanted physical contact.
- Child endangerment — Penal Code §273a, because the victim’s young daughter was present during the incident.
- Disorderly conduct — For lewd or obscene behavior in public.
Felony sexual battery can carry up to 4 years in state prison, mandatory registration as a sex offender, fines up to $10,000, and probation terms.
A Disturbing Trend: Sexual Touching Incidents in Dollar Stores
Across Orange County and nationally, police departments have reported a rise in aisle‑based sexual touching incidents inside discount retailers, especially dollar stores. These crimes often involve offenders who follow women through aisles, approach from behind, and commit quick, opportunistic groping before fleeing…