For the first time, Miami-Dade Police have released surveillance video of a man they say fondled a teenager at Dadeland Mall in May.
It’s unclear if the surveillance is before or after the crime. The man in the video is wearing a white shirt, pink shorts, and flip flops. He casually walks by another customer before exiting the JC Penney’s at Dadeland Mall.
Detectives said the victim was shopping with his family in May at the mall, and while his mother was at the register, the victim wandered away. The suspect then approached the victim and started a conversation with him, police said.
"Asking him what size pants he wore because he was shopping for his son who appeared to be the same size as the victim," said Detective Elena Hernandez."
During the conversation, police said the man unbuttoned the victim's pants, reached into them and fondled his genitals over his underwear. The victim ran to a nearby sales associate to tell them what had happened, but the suspect fled out of the mall on foot.
Police said the suspect is between 40 and 50 years old. Detectives also released the image below taken from surveillance footage, saying they believe this is the man who committed the crime.
Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
