Serial groper strikes for the 24th time

Nick Iannelli, wtop.com

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The man walking around Northern Virginia groping women has apparently struck again.

That makes two dozen cases in about seven months.

“I don’t know why he’s so elusive,” says Arona Pistiner, a shopper at the HomeGoods where the crime occured.

“I’m not quite sure why they can’t seem to find him.”

Fairfax County police say the man grabbed a 31-year-old woman from behind inside the store in Kingstowne Center Thursday.

He ran away, despite witnesses trying to chase him down.

“People are on the alert,” shopper Patricia McCarthy says. “There are flyers. It’s certainly on the news.”

The man’s description is becoming quite familiar to authorities.

He is reported to be Hispanic and about 30 years old

Typically, the suspect has committed his crimes while women were walking, jogging or waiting at bus stops.

This is the first time an incident has been reported indoors.

Police say it widens the investigation, and leaves more witnesses.

Officers continue soliciting help from the public as the man remains on the loose.

Related stories:

  • Fairfax Co. police investigate possible 23rd case of ‘serial groper’
  • Police call community meeting after latest groper attack

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