Commonwealth Journal

Local News

February 27, 2009

Girl is allegedly grabbed at library; SPD is investigating

By TRICIA NEAL, Staff Writer

Somerset — The Somerset Police Department is investigating a Friday afternoon incident at the downtown Somerset branch of the Pulaski County Public Library in which a young girl was allegedly inappropriately touched.

The 12-year-old girl was outside the library when the alleged incident occurred. The man who touched her fled on foot, but was quickly located by Somerset police.

"There wasn't sufficient evidence to detain him (when he was located)," said SPD Lt. Allan Coomer.

Coomer said yesterday afternoon that detectives were still piecing together information about the incident. The girl's parent filed a complaint with the county attorney's office immediately following the ordeal. Coomer said the county attorney's office would determine whether a warrant for the suspect's arrest should be obtained.

"She was grabbed," Coomer said. "I don't know what part of the body was grabbed ... but it was enough to distress her parent."

If a warrant is issued, the man would be charged with 2nd degree sexual abuse — a felony, Coomer said. Second degree sexual abuse is, Coomer said, "inappropriate touching in a sexual manner."

The perpetrator was a white male. At the time of the alleged incident, he was wearing a shirt with a black hood. Coomer said the suspect is not from Pulaski County.

"I don't know why he was at the library," Coomer said.

Coomer said he didn't believe library patrons should be worried about the incident happening again.

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