Police are reviewing new surveillance video that could help in the investigation of a suspected child predator who may have tried to sexually assault two girls in Montebello on Wednesday.
The man, who appeared to be in his 50s, kissed a 16-year-old girl on the cheek as she waited for the bus at Montebello and Whittier boulevards about 1 p.m., according to the Montebello Police Department.
After a second attempt to kiss her, the teen got on the bus and the man walked away.
About 45 minutes later, police said the man spoke with a 12-year-old girl and offered her money at Sam's Liquor Store located at 3rd Street and Whittier Boulevard.
"She was at the counter while she was paying for her stuff and she didn't even look at him," said Aaron Pedrosa, a clerk at Sam's Liquor Store. "He just approached her from the back."
Police believe the man attempted to stop the girl before that encounter and said he was trying to infer for some type of sexual nature.
"He's a creep, he's a weirdo. I don't want him to get away with it," said Pedrosa.
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Police released an image of the man captured by a surveillance camera at the liquor store and said they would be releasing new video on Thursday. Newly-acquired footage from the city bus' security camera was also being reviewed.
The man was last seen in the 200 block of South Second Street. Police believe he could be a local.
The man was described as Hispanic with dark hair. He was wearing black-framed glasses, a red soccer jersey, beige pants and a black backpack or shoulder bag.
It is unknown if the girls were enrolled in the Montebello School District, however district officials said they will be notifying parents of the incident.
Police said the man is now wanted for child annoyance.
Anyone with information was asked to call Montebello police.
