Masturbating Man Accosted Woman Outside Wawa: Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — As Hillsborough County Sheriff’s detectives search for a man wanted in connection with an alleged sex offense, they’re turning to the public for help. According to the agency, the man in question was seen masturbating in a Wawa parking lot earlier this month.

Deputies say the incident that sparked the search for the man unfolded around 10:45 a.m. March 14 at the 804 E. Bearss Ave. Wawa. The man was reportedly masturbating in the back seat of his vehicle, which was parked at the gas pumps.

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The man, an email from the sheriff’s office said, managed to get the attention of a victim at the next pump “by making noises.” When the woman, who isn’t being identified, looked over, the man is accused of winking at her.

The woman, deputies say, became scared and took off in her own vehicle.

The suspect deputies are looking for is a black male believed to be between 18 and 35 years old. He stands between 5-foot-8 and 6 feet tall, and weighs an estimated 170 to 200 pounds. The man was driving an early 2000 Buick LeSabre that is light purple in color. The vehicle had large chrome rims and a lifted frame.

Anyone with information about the man is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Tips may also be submitted via Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS or by going online to www.crimestopperstb.com.

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Surveillance photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office