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Police: Man On Moped Exposed Himself To Girl, 12, In Arleta

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Detectives Tuesday released a sketch of a man who allegedly exposed himself to a 12-year-old girl in August as she walked across a parking lot in Arleta.

KNX 1070's Vytas Safronikas reports authorities applauded the girl's reaction.

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"The girl did everything right," said Det. Luz Montero, of the Mission Detective Division. "She ignored the man, kept her distance, and told her mother right away."

Around 4:20 p.m. on August 31, the man rode up on the moped and called out to the girl, then exposed himself. He rode away a brief distance and walked into a nearby liquor store at 14439 Van Nuys Boulevard.

This suspect appeared to be Hispanic, was wearing a "skull cap" helmet, and riding a black moped.

The girl's mother confronted the man as he left the store, but there was no video footage available. Detectives and a sketch artist guided the mother and daughter through the process of drawing the suspect's likeness.

"The sketch is quite distinct, and that, coupled with him riding a moped, should help the public recognize him in the neighborhood," Det. Montero said. "We've had no more sightings of him since this incident, but forewarned is forearmed."

The suspect had gray hair, was of medium height and build, and was between 45 and 55 years old. He was wearing a tank top and blue jeans, in addition to the riding helmet.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call LAPD Mission Detectives at (818) 838-9975. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Online tips may be placed at LAPDOnline.org.

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