Suspect Wanted for Taking “Up-Skirt” Pictures of Young Girls

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Division, Sexual Assault Unit detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect wanted for taking pictures of young girls.

On July 20, 2013, around 3:45 p.m., a suspect approached a seven-year-old girl while she was standing in line at the food court in the Westfield Topanga Plaza Mall.  The suspect pointed a small camera in the direction of the victim’s dress before he was scared away by the victim’s mother.  The victim’s mother followed the suspect and saw him take numerous "up-skirt" photographs of three unsuspecting teenage girls.  The suspect then left the mall before security officers could apprehend him.

The suspect is described as a male White with light brown hair, about 60 to 70-years-old, standing 5’3" to 5’6" tall and weighing 140 to 160 pounds.  The suspect was wearing glasses and carrying a brown backpack.

The suspect is seen walking from the left to right of the screen and is wearing a long sleeve yellow shirt.

Anyone with information of the suspect is urged to immediately contact Detective F. Avila, or Detective N. Abbinanti, Sexual Assault Detectives Unit, at (818) 756-3375.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.