San Diego police are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the aisle of a Target store in San Diego, pestering her for a date before reaching under her clothing to grope her.
The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) says the incident – being investigated as a case of sexual battery – happened around 9 p.m. on Halloween at a Target located at 5680 Balboa Ave.
According to investigators, the unknown man approached the woman and was persistent about asking her for a date. The woman repeatedly asked him to leave her alone, but the suspect ignored her requests.
The man then allegedly walked behind the victim, placed his hand on her upper thigh, reached under her shorts and touched her buttocks, police said.
The man then fled the store and was last seen getting into a silver sedan.
Surveillance cameras at the Target location captured images of the suspect, which police released Wednesday.
Investigators said the suspect is described as a Middle Eastern man with brown eyes and black, receding hair, estimated to be between 40 and 45 years old. He stands at 6-foot to 6-foot-3 and weighs between 180 to 190 pounds. Police said he wore a black polo shirt and blue jeans during the groping incident.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact the SDPD’s Northern Division at (858) 552-1735.