Man Accused Of Harassing Girls At Shopping Center

PETALUMA, CA — A man was arrested Wednesday in Petaluma on suspicion of harassing a group of girls at a local shopping center, police said.

Around 3:45 p.m., Petaluma police officers responded to a call for service from a juvenile female victim in the East Washington Place Shopping Center on Kenilworth Drive.

"The victim reported that a man, later identified as John Larson (69, Petaluma) was attempting to lure the victim and her friends into sexual intercourse and to supply them with marijuana and cocaine," said Kelsey McCarthy, community engagement liaison for the Petaluma Police Department.

Larson followed the victims into another shop before nearly getting into a fight with another community member, McCarthy said.

Officers found Larson in the surrounding area and once he was positively identified by the victims, he was arrested and booked into Sonoma County jail.

A bail enhancement was added to the arrest charges, as Larson was previously booked under similar circumstances.

"If you feel unsafe or witness any suspicious activity, you are always encouraged to alert our department by calling 911," McCarthy said.

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