Police release description after reported touching of 9-year-old inside South Bristol store
The Santa Ana Police Department is asking the community to come forward with information after a 9-year-old girl was allegedly inappropriately touched while shopping with family members at a DD’s Discount store on South Bristol Street.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on Sept. 26 at the store located at 2116 S. Bristol St.. Detectives say the suspect entered the toy aisle, approached the child and touched her buttocks multiple times before fleeing the scene. The child ran away and sought help immediately, police said. No arrest has been made and the investigation remains active.
“The Santa Ana Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect accused of inappropriately touching a 9-year-old girl,”
The department provided a physical description of the individual and urged anyone with information to contact investigators. Detectives identify the assigned investigator as Detective A. Vera and ask residents to call (714) 245-8349 or email Avera5@santa-ana.org with tips.
What police released about the suspect
- Estimated age: 50–60 years
- Clothing: black baseball cap, short-sleeve white plaid button-up shirt, and black shoes
- Location: toy aisle inside DD’s Discount at 2116 S. Bristol St.
- Date of reported incident: Sept. 26
Below is a concise summary of the known incident details provided by police.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sept. 26 |
| Location | DD’s Discount, 2116 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana |
| Victim | 9-year-old female |
| Suspect description | Male, approx. 50–60; black cap; white plaid short-sleeve shirt; black shoes |
Possible legal consequences and investigative context
Police have not announced charges, and prosecutors have not filed any formal accusations. Legal experts and the Santa Ana Police Department note that allegations involving sexualized touching of a child can be prosecuted under several California statutes depending on evidence and intent. Investigators will consider available witness statements, surveillance footage and any other corroborating evidence before seeking charges.
Whether a prosecutor pursues felony or misdemeanor charges will depend on the facts uncovered. For residents following the case, the most immediate community need is information that can help identify the person shown by the description released by police. Tips from shoppers or employees who were at the store on Sept. 26 could be critical to advancing the investigation.
How the community can help
Santa Ana police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in cases involving children. If you were at the DD’s Discount on Sept. 26 or have surveillance footage from nearby businesses or a dash camera that might show the area, please contact the assigned detective. Tips can remain anonymous through appropriate channels, but detectives encourage anyone with relevant information to reach out promptly.
Contact information repeated for convenience: Detective A. Vera, (714) 245-8349, Avera5@santa-ana.org.
Incidents involving alleged child sexual misconduct often raise immediate concern among parents and caretakers. Local law enforcement agencies say they will continue to investigate and coordinate with prosecutors as evidence develops. For civic-minded residents, reporting even small observations can assist detectives and contribute to neighborhood safety.
As the investigation continues, the Santa Ana Police Department said it will provide updates when additional verified information becomes available.
