SNELLVILLE, Ga. — Snellville Police are increasing patrols near a shopping district after the department received reports of a sexual assault and women who were recorded in a dressing room or bathroom at Target.
11Alive received three police reports from Snellville Police about three separate incidents that happened at the 1905 Scenic Highway location within the last few months.
The first one stems from a March 30 incident where police went to investigate after a woman said she was touched inappropriately. The woman told police the man walked up to her and said she had something on her shirt. He pointed to the bottom of the shirt and reached and rubbed her genitals, the report indicated. She screamed, and he ran away, and others there came over when they heard the commotion. Police arrived before the man left. Officers said he tried to flee during their investigation but they eventually caught up to him and took him into custody.
In the most recent case, a woman said she was in a bathroom stall on May 8 with her young son and heard a bang from the stall wall. That's when she saw a cell phone underneath the stall wall and noticed that it was actively recording, the report said. The woman confronted the person and yelled out "are you recording me," the police said in the report. However, the person ran out of the bathroom; she tried to chase the person but they were gone.
And earlier this month, a woman reported that she noticed someone recording her in a fitting room from under the door with a cell phone. Investigators used Target surveillance video and AI facial recognition software to find the suspect's social media profile, which gave officers a pivotal lead in the case. The police report also indicated surveillance video showed the man arriving and "prowling the store," following women as they shopped. They said he could be seen with his cell phone below the waist level as he stood behind women customers who didn't notice his actions. Police were able to secure a warrant and arrest the man days later.
These incidents have prompted police to take more action in the area.
"We have increased patrols in the area and ensured there is an officer nearby the shopping district and maintain visibility," a detective said with the department.
Target issued a statement saying it has zero tolerance for these crimes and would be helping officers with the investigation.
"The safety of our guests and team members is Target's top priority and we have robust procedures, policies and training in place to ensure that our stores are safe places to shop and work," a spokesperson said. "We have no tolerance for this kind of behavior and are assisting the Snellville Police Department with their investigation."