Suspect Sought in Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Montgomery County Police are searching for a suspect involved in the sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl at the Unique Bazaar thrift store on Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton on Aug. 1.

On that evening around 7:12 p.m., the girl was shopping at the store, located at 12211 Veirs Mill Road, with her family but became separated from them, the police reported. The suspect approached her and touched the outside of her clothing in the genital area. The victim moved to another part of the store to get away from the suspect, but he followed her. He again touched her clothing in the genital area.

The girl then ran away and hid from the suspect in a rack of clothes. She watched him trying to find her, but she then was able to find her mother and report the incident.

Police report that the suspect went to the bathroom and changed shirts to try to change his appearance, and they have released surveillance photos from the store video cameras in an effort to try find him.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Family Crimes Division - Pedophile Section at 240-773-5400. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or 240-773-TIPS (8477) or sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) by typing "MCPD" and then the tip information.

Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and/or indictment of the person responsible for this crime.