A Warren man suspected of inappropriately touching young children in a store restroom is in jail today after being criminally charged in the case, according to police.
Elijah Lawrence, 22, was arraigned Wednesday before 37th District Judge Suzanne Faunce on one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and other crimes. He is being held in the Macomb County Jail on a $250,000 cash/surety bond.
Investigators said Lawrence is also a suspect in an incident in Eastpointe and may have had other unreported, unwanted contacts with juveniles in other surrounding communities.
“Lawrence is currently a suspect in a “peeping tom’ incident from Eastpointe,” Warren police said in a news release. “We are asking the public to look at Lawrence’s picture, speak with your children or other juvenile family members, and ask them if they have had any unwanted contacts with Lawrence.
According to police, officers encountered Lawrence on Sunday afternoon at the Home Depot on Hoover Road near the Interstate 696 interchange.
They were dispatched to the store regarding an assault complaint involving an 11-year-old girl.
Police said they learned from Home Depot staff that the girl and her sister were followed by a man after they entered a women’s bathroom at the business.
The sisters turned and walked out of the restroom, followed by the man, police said. That’s when he inappropriately touched the 11-year-old victim, who immediately notified her adult family members.
Police said the family members contacted store staff who located the suspect roaming through Home Depot and began to follow him while 911 was being called. Realizing he was being followed, the male ran out of the store, with staff members continuing to follow him, investigators said.
The suspect was last seen running through a residential neighborhood. Officers arrived and checked the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
The investigation also showed the suspect likely broke into a car in the Home Depot parking lot before he assaulted the child. Officers also learned he stole a bicycle as he fled from the Home Depot.
On Monday, less than 24 hours after the incident, investigators positively identified the suspect and tracked him to his Warren residence. He was arrested without incident.
Investigators executed a search warrant at his home home where they located and seized “crucial evidence relating to the alleged assault.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office authorized charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony; possession of child sexually abusive material, a four-year felony; and two counts of larceny less than $200, both 93-day misdemeanors.
In addition, Lawrence has a previous conviction for motor vehicle theft, several felony arrests contacts, and is a habitual second offender, according to police.
“There is no greater betrayal than preying on the innocence of a child,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said.
If he is released on bond, Lawrence must wear a GPS tether, have no contact with any victims, children under 18 or Home Depot.
Lawrence’s next court date is May 5 at the 37th District Court.
If parents think their children may have had any unwanted contacts with Lawrence, they are asked to call Warren Special Victim’s Detective John Talos at 586-574-4816.