Detroit/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on April 18, 2024
Warren Man Charged with Groping Child at Home Depot, Police Investigate Possible Further VictimizationSource: Google Street View

A Warren man is behind bars on charges of inappropriately touching a young girl at a local Home Depot, police say, and officials believe there may be more victims.

Elijah Lawrence, 22, was arrested following reports he followed an 11-year-old and her sister into the women’s bathroom at the Home Depot on Hoover Road, last Sunday. After stepping out of the bathroom, he allegedly touched the younger girl, prompting her to alert her family, according to The Detroit News.

The store staff intervened when apprised of the situation and called 911 as they tailed Lawrence through the store. He managed, to escape their grasp and was seen breaking into a car and stealing a bike to flee the area, said authorities. As per FOX 2 Detroit, police apprehended Lawrence the next day at his residence.

Investigators launching a search warrant at Lawrence's home discovered what they deemed crucial to the case. He is charged with one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of possession of child sexually abusive material, and two counts of larceny, as per ClickOnDetroit.

Warren police have raised the alarm regarding Lawrence's potential connection to other unsolved incidents involving minors, citing his past criminal record which includes a previous conviction for motor vehicle theft and several felony arrests. They especially noted a "peeping tom" incident from Eastpointe as a point of concern. Warren Police Department is urging the public to come forward if they've had any "unwanted contacts" with Lawrence, said officials in a recent statement.

Lawrence, who entered a not-guilty plea, is now held on a $250,000 bond and is required to be equipped with a GPS tether should he post bail. Police are steadfast in their resolve to piece together the breadth of Lawrence's alleged actions and have directed those with relevant information to contact the Warren Special Victim’s Unit.