Watch CBS News

Man Arrested After He Allegedly Fondled Girl On Bus In Costa Mesa

COSTA MESA (CBS) — Authorities have announced the arrest of a suspect who they say fondled a 16-year-old girl on a bus in Costa Mesa.

The victim says she was riding Orange County Transit Authority bus 47-A near Placentia Avenue and 18th Street about 5:40 p.m. Monday when a man sitting next to her rubbed her leg and attempted to unzip her pants, according to Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The girl turned away "frozen in fear," Amormino said.

Tonight police in Orange County announced they arrested Herath Premaratnea, 55, of Los Angeles.

The alleged victime called her boyfriend and he and his father picked her up when she got off the bus.

Security video showed the suspect getting off the bus behind the girl and vanishing, Amormino said.

A review of more security video indicated the man had tried to molest another girl on a bus, but that victim did not report the incident, he said.

Police also said they believe the suspect is responsible for at least another incident reported several months ago.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.