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Suspect Allegedly Molests Boy Inside Manhattan Beach Restroom

MANHATTAN BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Police are seeking the public's help in finding a suspect who allegedly molested a boy inside a Manhattan Beach restroom.

The victim went into a bathroom at Polliwog Park around 2 p.m. Friday when a man forced him into a stall and touched his genitals, authorities said.

The boy fled and told a parent what happened.

A park employee said the victim was around 4 years old.

Residents were unnerved to learn about the situation.

"For the poor little boy who went through what he did today, it just breaks my heart. It truly breaks my heart," Jackie Naidoo said.

"I can't imagine if this happened to my little boy," Catherine Cheng said.

Police believe the crime may be related to another incident that occurred Wednesday in Hermosa Beach. A man grabbed a 13-year-old boy and molested him in a restroom stall at Valley Park, according to KCAL9's Kristine Lazar.

The suspect in both cases had similar descriptions: Caucasian, in his 40s, with a medium build and grey hair. He was wearing a white shirt and dark-colored pants in the Manhattan Beach molestation.

Patrols have now been beefed up in neighboring areas.

"I think the entire community will feel comfortable once this monster is caught," Naidoo said.

Anyone with information on the crimes was asked to contact Manhattan Beach police Det. Traci Navarrette at (310) 802-5125.

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