Ferndale police arrest suspect who allegedly touched women inappropriately

FERNDALE — The Ferndale Police Department has arrested an individual accused of inappropriate physical contacts with women in the area.

Police arrested a juvenile suspect Oct. 25. He allegedly had on four known occasions “inappropriately touched females while passing them on a bicycle,” Ferndale police said in a prepared statement.

“According to witness reports, the suspect approaches female victims from the front while riding a bicycle,” Ferndale Police Department communications liaison Evan Ahlin said in an email prior to the suspect’s arrest. “After passing them, he circles back and, while still riding, inappropriately touches them before fleeing the scene.”

Police first revealed information about three incidents on Oct. 23, asking the public for help in identifying the suspect. Police released a suspect description and two surveillance images.

The first incident took place at 4 p.m. Friday, July 12, near Vester and Woodward avenues; the second at 8:40 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, near Woodward and East Breckenridge Street; and the third at 7:20 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, near Farmdale and West Troy streets.

After the initial press release, Ahlin stated that a fourth victim came forward to police to report another incident that had occurred on July 11 near Livernois and Fielding streets.

Police also received an anonymous tip that led to the arrest of the juvenile.

“We take these incidents very seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of our community,” Ferndale Police Chief Dennis Emmi said in a prepared statement. “I commend the individuals who bravely came forward to report these incidents, as their courage has been essential to this investigation. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to our investigators for their diligent work in advancing this case.”

Police stated the four cases have been submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office and that charges against the suspect are currently pending.