MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are on the lookout for a man who, they said, attacked a teenage girl with a knife and then left behind a bag of selfies.
According to Miami Beach Police, the 17-year-old victim was walking near the 6700 block of Harding Avenue in Miami Beach when she was approached by the subject around 6 p.m. Sunday.
The police report reads, “According to the victim, the subject stated: ‘I think you’re very pretty. Why don’t you come with me to my home?’ while simultaneously groping himself on the outside of his pants.”
The girl said she would call police, scaring off the man. However, he left behind a plastic bag containing selfies of himself.
Officers have been canvassing the neighborhood this week, handing out fliers with the subject’s photo.
However, the incident, which took place in a busy area, has left residents in the area shocked.
“He wanted to be caught, he wanted to be in your news,” said Leo Cervantes, when asked why the culprit would leave behind photos of himself. “He wanted to be remembered for this stupid thing he did. Some people are just out of their mind, so what are you going to do about it?”
One woman said, “I feel bad because I have one daughter that’s 18 years old, and she’s working, she’s around.”
However, Cervantes would not describe the neighborhood as unsafe. “Crime here in Miami Beach seems to be very well, I would say, below average,” he said, “but things like that could happen.”
Police said they have identified the man and his arrest is imminent, much to the relief of residents.
If you have any information on this incident, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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