PROSPECT PARK, PA — A Florida man is wanted for questioning as part of an investigation into the indecent assault of a minor at a Dollar Tree store in Prospect Park, officials said.
A man inappropriately touched an underage girl Aug. 3 at the store on Chester Pike, said Police Chief Dave Madonna. It is one of several recent reports of sexual offenses at Dollar Tree stores.
Police spent the ensuing days trying to identify the suspect, and Madonna has made multiple posts with surveillance footage of an unidentified man wanted in connection with the incident. Read more: Wanted Man Sexually Touched Minor At Delco Store: Police
On Thursday, Madonna said police have identified a person of interest: Robert McCool, 35. The police chief asked the public for information that could help locate McCool.
"McCool has been identified as a person of interest in this investigation, and we are seeking to speak with him regarding this incident," Madonna said on Facebook. "McCool is a Florida resident with ties to our region."
Madonna did not say how McCool is tied to the investigation, and no charges have been announced as of Thursday afternoon.
Anyone who knows McCool's location or has information that could help find him can contact the Prospect Park Police Department at 610-534-2222 or call 911.
"We ask the public not to approach or confront him and instead provide any information regarding his whereabouts directly to law enforcement," Madonna said.
Similar Cases At Dollar Tree Stores
Similar incidents at other Dollar Tree stores have made headlines recently. Some of them may be linked to a disturbing online "trend," according to The Guardian.
According to the news outlet, corners of the internet have encouraged men to commit sexual offenses against women and girls shopping at Dollar Tree stores.
Several Philadelphia-area police departments have been investigating sex crimes at Dollar Tree stores. Different men have been accused of exposing themselves at locations in Springfield and Falls Township.
It is unclear whether any of these incidents are linked to the online trend.
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