NH police search for man accused of groping boy

PLAISTOW, N.H. (WHDH) -- Plaistow, New Hampshire police are searching for a man accused of groping a child in a store’s toy aisle.

Surveillance cameras captured the suspect accused of targeting the child. Police say the man sexually assaulted a 9-year-old who had become separated from a parent Sunday night inside a Walmart.

“He approached that child. The child did not know that male, and subsequently touched the child in an inappropriate place,” said Lt. William Baldwin, Plaistow Police Department.

Officers are calling it a bold attack, saying the suspect had to know he'd be caught on camera, and adding that the man even took a moment to stop and stare the child down before he took off.

“I believe this individual was trying to control that child,” said Lt. Baldwin.

The child took the right steps, immediately finding a store employee to report what happened. The alleged attack is serving as another reminder for parents who are already wary.

“Any place you go you probably run the risk of that happening. With society being the way it is,” one woman said.

Camera's recorded a grey pickup truck with a Massachusetts plate leaving the Walmart lot, but police are still searching for its driver.

“We need the public's help. We need help in the worst way to identify this individual,” said Lt. Baldwin.

The suspect has since been arrested. Read more here.