Girl Confronted by Suspected Serial Molester

A 9-year-old girl pedaled her bicycle to safety after a man matching the description of the so-called South Bay molester confronted her, authorities said Sunday. It was believed to be the 11th time he has struck.

The girl was riding her bicycle on the sidewalk of 94th Place in south Los Angeles on Saturday around 8:40 p.m. She told police the driver of a gray van pulled over, got out and walked up to her, said Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Britta Tubbs.

The man said: “Come here, little girl. I know your father. Get in my car,” according to authorities.

The girl was near her home, and as she attempted to ride off the man tried to grab the back of her tire but missed, Tubbs said.

The child turned her bike around and headed home. The suspected molester began jogging after her. She reached her home safely and told family members what had occurred. They called police.

The man fits the description of a man police have dubbed the South Bay molester, who police believe has assaulted or tried to assault 10 other children.

He drives an older gray van with a maroon stripe, police said.