Two alleged attempts to sexually assault teenage girls in grocery store bathrooms have communities on high alert, with police making arrests in separate shocking incidents in Arizona and California. In Phoenix, Daiveon Ellsberry, a 24-year-old man, has been accused of crawling under a bathroom stall and exposing himself to a 16-year-old. According to 12 News, the teen was working at a grocery store near 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard when the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Feb. 4. Screaming for help, the teen successfully fled the stall, later reporting the disturbing ordeal to coworkers.
Ellsberry, who was subsequently taken into custody on February 5 after being identified via video surveillance, allegedly admitted to police that he followed the teenager into the bathroom, slid into their stall, and made unwanted sexual advances. Maricopa County jail records confirm the suspect's booking, as authorities continue their investigations into the disturbing case. Simultaneously, a similar situation unfolded at a Stater Bros. store in Whittier, California.
Steven Magdaleno, 38, has been charged with one felony count each of assault to commit rape, false imprisonment by violence, as well as attempted escape from custody after allegedly forcing his way into a bathroom and attempting to assault a teenage girl. As reported by CBS Los Angeles, the incident took place in broad daylight around 2 p.m., when Magdaleno followed the victim into the restroom, locked the door, and reportedly tried to sexually assault her.
Thanks to the screams of the victim, who managed to alert employees and customers, the suspect was detained until law enforcement arrived. Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón has labeled the act "appalling," offering his gratitude to those who intervened. "Brazen crimes like these are shocking to the entire community because the girl and her family should have felt safe in that space. I am thankful to the customers and store employees who showed bravery and courage in intervening on this victim's behalf," Gascón said in a statement obtained by CBS Los Angeles. Both suspects now face serious charges as authorities continue to press for justice in these grave violations of safety and security.
