Crime & Safety

Police Seek Help in Identifying 'Up-Skirt' Photo Suspect

The suspect allegedly took photos up the skirts of teenagers at the Westfield Topanga Mall.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Division, Sexual Assault Unit detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect wanted for allegedly taking pictures of young girls.

On July 20, 2013, around 3:45 p.m., a suspect approached a seven-year-old girl while she was standing in line at the food court in the Westfield Topanga Plaza Mall, police said in a statement issued Monday afternoon.

The statement said the suspect pointed a small camera in the direction of the victim's dress before he was scared away by the victim's mother, who followed the suspect and saw him take numerous "up-skirt" photographs of three unsuspecting teenage girls. 

The suspect left the mall before security officers could apprehend him.

He is described as a 60 to 70-year-old white male with light brown hair standing 5’3" to 5'6" and weighing 140 to 160 pounds. The suspect was wearing glasses and carrying a brown backpack.

The police department is asking anyone with information about the suspect to contact Det. F. Avila, or Det. N. Abbinanti, Sexual Assault Detectives Unit, at 818-756-3375. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to  877-527-3247.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at  800-222-8477.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.