Police in Georgia have implemented heightened security measures at a local Target store in response to a series of disturbing incidents involving assaults against customers.
These incidents unfolded at the Target store located on Scenic Highway in Snellville, approximately 30 miles from Atlanta. Snellville Police Detective J. Manley confirmed to USA TODAY on Wednesday that patrols have been increased, with officers maintaining a visible presence to swiftly respond to any potential threats in the parking lot.
The recent incidents involved multiple women who were targeted while shopping at the popular retail chain.
In late March, authorities responded to a report of sexual assault at the store. The victim recounted that an unknown male had touched her genitals before fleeing the scene. Body camera footage obtained by WSB-TV captures the ensuing confrontation between the suspect, identified as Devon Thomas, and the responding officers. Thomas was subsequently apprehended and charged with obstruction and sexual battery, though he claimed it was a “misunderstanding.”
Earlier this month, on May 1, another woman reported being recorded while trying on clothes in the fitting room. Through diligent investigation, police identified Josue Gomez as the suspect, who was charged with various offenses related to unlawful recording and invasion of privacy.
Subsequently, in a separate incident, a male suspect allegedly recorded a woman in a bathroom stall with her son. Despite the victim’s confrontation, the suspect managed to flee the scene, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
These unsettling incidents have prompted community concern and a call for heightened vigilance, with the suspect in the latest incident still at large.