Grocery store groper allegedly molests woman — then gives bizarre excuse

A reported sexual assault at a grocery store in Winnetka on Sunday has left a local woman shaken and raised fresh concerns about safety for shoppers across Los Angeles County.

The woman, identified only as Monica, said the encounter happened inside a Vallarta supermarket. According to her account, a man approached and claimed there was something on her back, offering to help remove it. Instead, she says, his behavior quickly turned inappropriate.

Monica described the moment as confusing and deeply unsettling, saying she initially tried to understand what was happening before realizing the man was touching her in a way that made her uncomfortable. Once it became clear, she began yelling for help and drew attention from others nearby.

A reporter in a red sweater holds a clear umbrella in a parking lot, covering the headline "SEARCH FOR SUSPECTED GROPER". — Monica said she began screaming and called for security. A witness who recorded part of the aftermath described a chaotic scene as the suspect left the store. FOX 11 LA

Still from a news report showing a man in a white t-shirt and tan shorts in a grocery store aisle, with a shopping cart in the foreground. — The search is on for the man (pictured) accused of groping a woman at a grocery store in Winnetka. FOX 11 LA

An exterior view of a Vallarta Supermarket with cars parked in the foreground, and a news banner at the bottom that reads "SEARCH FOR SUSPECTED GROPER." — The assault allegedly happened at a Vallarta supermarket. FOX 11 LA

A witness in the store, Jason Parillo, said he heard loud shouting and saw the situation unfold as the suspect made his way out. He described the man as agitated, raising his voice and using profanity while leaving. Parillo also noted that the woman appeared visibly frightened during the incident.

The suspect left the store before law enforcement arrived, and it remains unclear whether he has been identified or apprehended.

Officials have not yet provided details about any security measures at the location, and inquiries have been made to the store for further information.

A man speaking to a camera in a parking lot with the text "SEARCH FOR SUSPECTED GROPER" at the bottom of the screen. — The alleged groper. FOX 11 LA

The case comes shortly after another reported incident in Los Angeles County. In that situation, authorities say a man allegedly exposed himself and assaulted a woman inside a Whole Foods store in Valencia on March 23 before fleeing the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

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