A 28-year-old man suspected of groping a 14-year-old girl in Downey was facing a possible felony charge Thursday as police sought other possible victims.
The girl told police she was walking home from school about 2:20 p.m. Wednesday and was in the area of Rives Avenue and Brunache Street when the suspect approached and asked her name, according to Downey police.
The girl ignored the man and kept walking, police said.
“The victim felt the suspect grab her buttocks; she turned around and saw him run away southbound on Rives Avenue,” according to police.
The girl gave investigators a description of the man and detectives were able to locate and detain the suspect, identified as Sala Robert Pires, at a home in the 7800 block of Stewart and Gray Road, police said.
“The victim positively identified Mr. Pires as the person who grabbed her,” police said.
Pires was booked on suspicion of felony lewd acts with a child.
“Detectives believe that Mr. Pires may be responsible for several similar incidents within the city and are following up on additional leads,” police said.
Anyone with information regarding the case or other possible incidents was urged to call Downey police at (562) 904-2308 or (562) 904-2391 to speak with Detective Michelle Garcia.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.