On Wednesday, August 13 a man sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl in a public library restroom on the city’s West Side. The attack occurred at the Riverview Library, 1 E. George St, Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Saint Paul Police Sex Crimes unit has released the sketch (in this post) of a possible suspect in the incident.
The suspect made small talk with the girl and her brother before following her into the restroom. The man covered the little girl’s mouth and told her to be quiet. The girl said that a man grabbed her before groping her and putting his hands down her pants. The girl fought the man as he attacked her. The suspect left through a door in the basement of the library. Police believe the predator may have approached two other girls. The computers at the library were investigated for any trace of the attacker’s usage. Police think he might have used one or more of the computers to view pornography. The suspect is believed to be a regular visitor of the library.
It is unknown whether the girl and her brother were accompanied by an adult. There were several unsupervised children at the library. A spokesperson for the library made it plain that they were not responsible for the children.
Suspect Description:
White or Hispanic male in his 20’s
Approximately 5’7” tall
Stubble or a slight beard
Pot belly, heavy set
He was last seen wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans.
If you know anything about this suspect or may have seen the attack, please, call the Saint Paul Police Sex Crimes unit at 651-291-1111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
It is plain to see that children just aren’t safe, anywhere. A city library used to be thought of as a safe for a kid to spend an afternoon. It might just be one of the most dangerous places for a child to visit. I don’t think librarians should be babysitters by any means. However, they should be able to visit the library and go to the restroom without being sexually assaulted. I hope that this incident will encourage libraries to create a safer environment for our children. I believe they have a responsibility to do so. I hope the man who committed this horrible act will be captured and dealt with severely.
Sources:
Police Look For Man Who Molested Girl At Library
Girl, 8, assaulted in St. Paul library restroom
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