WALKER, Mich. — The Kent County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance in its search for a person involved in a June 28 incident.
Deputies say an 11-year-old boy was touched inappropriately in a restroom at Millennium Park on that date.
Search efforts were immediately launched, with authorities canvassing the park and screening patrons, according to KCSO. But no suspect was found.
"It was reported to park staff who then notified one of our parks and deputies out there," Sgt. Eric Brunner explains. "The Kent County Sheriff's Office does staff Millennium Park with one to two deputies, during the week and weekends, for patrol out there in the general area and the beach area as well."
He tells us investigators were unable to narrow down the suspect on the day of the incident. It wasn't until they had gathered video when they produced images of a man they believe resembles the suspect's description, according to Sergeant Brunner.
"There was just over 1,000 tickets that were purchased that day of people coming and going from Millennium Park," he explains.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s to 30s, with a medium build and short dark hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt, gray shorts and black tennis shoes.
Deputies say they have pictures from Millennium Park on the day of the incident, which show a male subject matching the suspect description. Deputies are now looking for that person but stress there are no guarantees he is connected to the incident.
Also, deputies are asking for information about a woman seen in other photos, who deputies stress is not connected to the crime but may be able to help identify the man. In photos, she was seen with the man.
"Those two came in together about the same time," Sergeant Brunner explains. "So that's why we're interested in talking with the gentleman that's depicted. And if they're together, perhaps this woman may know him and can help to get us in contact."
KCSO also assures the public that, since this incident, there have been no other similar incidents at Millennium Park.
If you have information that could help to move the investigation forward, please call the KCSO at 616-632-6125, or call Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 to report information safely and anonymously.
