Behind the Badge
Westminster Police have arrested a 47-year-old man suspected of molesting a 5-year-old boy in a Walmart bathroom.
Police reported the boy entered the bathroom at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Walmart in the 13000 block of Beach Boulevard.
His parents waited outside the restroom and told police their son appeared upset when he exited.
They said they saw a man who appeared to be in his 50s follow their son out, police reported.
The parents told investigators they suspected the man may have done something to their son, police reported.
About two hours later, the victim told his parents the man grabbed his penis while he was urinating, according to police.
The victim’s parents reported the incident to Westminster police, and officers launched an investigation.
Police on Friday arrested Jason Louis Barreto, 47, on suspicion of lewd or lascivious acts against a child.
Officers located Barreto near Beach Boulevard and Trask Avenue, adjacent to Walmart.
Westminster detectives are asking anyone who has experienced a similar incident to contact police at 714-548-3767.
