Federal Way police nab suspected child molester

UPDATE: A suspect believed to have sexually harassed two young girls is now in custody. He was caught Thursday at The Commons Mall in Federal Way — and was wearing the same clothes as in the picture above.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. Thursday, loss prevention officers with Sears saw the suspect. While under video surveillance, the suspect left the store and drove out of the parking lot, according to police. Sears loss prevention officers followed on foot while notifying Federal Way officers stationed at the mall. The suspect, a 40-year-old Federal Way man, was located in Big Lots at 1211 S. 320th St. He was taken into custody and was booked into King County Jail.

Federal Way police officer Chris Norman said the suspect was spotted by Sears loss prevention officers shortly after he posted the suspect's photo on the Safe City Federal Way list service.

"It was a real success story for the Safe City program," Norman said. "We were fortunate to catch him before he committed a more serious crime."

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Original report:

According to Federal Way police: On June 17, Federal Way police officers responded to the Deseret Industries store at 2200 S. 320th St. for a report of an adult male subject who had inappropriately touched a 10-year-old female victim.

The victim was interviewed and disclosed that the male pictured above had touched her chest through her clothing. The male suspect has been seen in the young girls clothing section of the store before and after this incident.

The suspect is described as a white male 30 to 50 years old, 5-feet-10-inches to 6-feet tall, thin, with short light brown hair. He has worn the same or similar clothing each time he has been in the business.A second incident occurred on June 29. The male entered the Goodwill store at 32521 Pacific Highway S. and exposed himself to a 9-year-old female, then quickly exited as the female ran to her mother.

Anyone with information that could lead to the identity of this suspect is encouraged to contact Detective K.C. Krusey at (253) 835-6895 or email Kristopher.Krusey@cityoffederalway.com.

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