Woman groped in bread aisle at Walmart in The Villages, deputies say

Sumter County deputies search for man

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – Deputies in Sumter County are asking for help identifying a man accused of groping a woman inside a Walmart.

The encounter happened Saturday evening at the Walmart at 4085 Wedgewood Lane in The Villages.

According to investigators, a 28-year-old woman was shopping with her stepfather when she noticed a man watching and following her around the store. The woman said she was alone in the bread aisle when the man approached from behind and inappropriately touched her, according to authorities.

Deputies said the woman yelled at the man, who went to the back of the store before walking out the grocery-side entrance.

Surveillance video showed the man walking to the adjacent liquor store, where investigators said he bought a 12-pack of beer before leaving in a light silver vehicle.

Deputies described the man as in his mid- to late 40s, about 6 feet tall and 250 pounds. He has short hair and a bald spot. He was last seen wearing a red button-up shirt over a black shirt, tan shorts, brown leather sandals and dark sunglasses.

Anyone with information about the man is asked to call the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at 352-689-4612 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

 


About the Author:

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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