Ferndale police seeking help to ID person who inappropriately touched women

FERNDALE — The Ferndale Police Department is searching for a person of interest who the department said has had inappropriate interactions with women in the area.

According to Ferndale police, the individual the department is seeking has been involved in a series of inappropriate physical contacts with women and, on three known occasions, “has inappropriately touched females while passing them on a bicycle.”

“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. “After passing them, he circles back and, while still riding, inappropriately touches them before fleeing the scene.”

The individual was described as a Black male with long, curly hair who was seen riding a mountain-style bicycle and has been targeting women walking alone, police said.

“We strongly urge residents, particularly women, to remain vigilant while walking, avoid distractions such as using phones or headphones, and report any suspicious behavior immediately,” Ferndale police said in a press release.

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.

If anyone has information on the identity of the individual or any past incidents that have not been reported to the police, they are asked to reach out to the Ferndale Police Department at (248) 541-3650. 

“The safety and well-being of our community are our top priorities, and we are working diligently to identify and apprehend the individual responsible,” the department stated. “The Ferndale Police Department will continue to increase patrols in affected areas and collaborate with community members to ensure safety.”