FRIDLEY, Minn. (WCCO) – A 29-year-old Columbia Heights man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault that took place at a Fridley Wal-Mart on Monday.
Nathan William Charles Jones was arrested Friday in Crystal by detectives from the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.
The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office said the assault was brazen and was caught on surveillance video. It happened at around 2 p.m. Monday
Authorities said the man groped a girl while she was standing in an open shopping area right next to her mother and older sibling. Investigators said when the mother turned to look at some merchandise, he lunged at the girl.
Police said the girl, who is under 13 years old, immediately reported the incident to her mother and the mother contacted Fridley Police.
Jones will be booked into the Anoka County Jail for second-degree criminal sexual conduct, but he has not yet been formally charged. He must be charged by next Tuesday.
Jones has a criminal history that includes indecent exposure and similar groping incidents involving adult females.
