Security video at a Valencia Whole Foods Market shows a man exposing himself and apparently rubbing his genitals against a woman's ear inside the store last Monday, according to sheriff's deputies. The disturbing footage prompted a quick response from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Santa Clarita Valley station, which is now investigating and asking the public to help put a name to the face.
Deputies say the suspect walked out of the store before they arrived. They are urging anyone who saw what happened or has relevant video to come forward.
Video shows alleged exposure
Store surveillance cameras recorded the incident, and the video shows the man exposing himself and appearing to rub his exposed genitals against the woman while he holds a cellphone, according to KTLA. The outlet reported it reached out to Whole Foods for comment and did not immediately receive a response.
Deputies seek tips
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says deputies responded to a report at the Whole Foods Market in Valencia and are actively searching for the man involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 260-4000.
Suspect description
Reports describe the man as being in his mid-30s and wearing a denim shirt with jeans. Investigators say his clothing and build are clearly visible on surveillance footage, but they have not yet identified him, according to KTLA. Deputies are asking anyone who was in the store and captured cellphone video or photos to save that footage and share it with investigators.
Not an isolated problem
Similar voyeurism and exposure cases have surfaced around the Santa Clarita Valley this year, including a widely reported incident involving a man accused of filming women in a campus restroom, as covered by FOX 11. Local officials have repeatedly urged witnesses in such cases to report suspicious behavior quickly and to turn over unedited video directly to detectives.
Legal implications
Under California law, willfully exposing one's genitals in public can be charged as indecent exposure under Penal Code §314, while nonconsensual touching can be prosecuted as sexual battery under Penal Code §243.4. Penalties vary with the circumstances, and any prior convictions, and some sexual offense convictions can bring prison time or mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Anyone who was at the Valencia Whole Foods around the time of the incident and has video or information is asked to call the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 260-4000 or submit a tip through the department's contact page.
