Sketch Released in Search for Man Suspected of Assaulting Boy, 14, at Dadeland Mall

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

Miami-Dade Police released a sketch Thursday in the search for a man suspected of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy at Dadeland Mall in Southwest Miami-Dade.

Detectives said the victim was shopping with his family at the mall on Sunday, and while his mother was at the register, the victim wandered away. The suspect then approached the victim and started a conversation with him, police said.

"Asking him what size pants he wor becuase he was shopping for his son who appeared to be the same size as the victim," said Detective Elena Hernandez."

During the conversation, police said the man unbuttoned the victim's pants, reached into them and fondled his genitals over his underwear. The victim ran to a nearby sales associate to tell them what had happened, but the suspect fled out of the mall on foot.

A Dadeland Mall spokesperson released the following statement Thursday morning:

“We do not tolerate this type of behavior at Dadeland Mall. We are grateful for the swift response of the Miami-Dade Police Department and fully support their efforts. Any other inquiries should be directed to the Miami-Dade Police Department, as this matter is now under their investigation.”

Police said the suspect is between 40 and 50 years old. Detectives also released the image below taken from surveillance footage, saying they believe this is the man who committed the crime.

Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

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