19-Year-Old Man Accused Of Performing Sex Act At Walmart

WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 19-year-old Wahneta man surrendered to Winter Haven police on Saturday night in connection with an incident at a Polk County Walmart in which the man allegedly masturbated on a woman who was shopping with a 12-year-old child.

Elias Alan-Arturo Flor was charged with battery and committing a lewd act in the presence of a child 16 or younger, according to Jamie Brown of the Winter Haven Police Department.

She said the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. Friday night at the Walmart store located at 355 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

"The woman was looking at the shelves of toys and in the buggy, while the child was on the side of the buggy," Brown said. "Flor is seen on video apparently looking for the right opportunity to commit the act."

Brown said the child witnessed the act and was distraught. "When the woman realized the child was upset and inquired as to the reason, Flor had fled the aisle and out of the store," Brown explained. "Management was immediately alerted and law enforcement was notified."

She said the child described what happened. Store surveillance video confirmed the child's account.

"This situation is absolutely sickening," said Winter Haven Chief Charlie Bird. "I applaud the child's bravery to speak up and give details that gave information we could get to the media that assisted with the ultimate arrest of the suspect."