Suspected Molester Arrested

A 19-year-old man filmed by surveillance video cameras was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in the restroom of a Long Beach McDonald’s restaurant, police said.

Brandon Rashad Meeks was taken into custody at a home in the 1100 block of Temple Avenue in Long Beach after officers received several anonymous tips.

The attack Friday night lasted nine to 13 minutes, and footage from three cameras indicates that during that time at least two males entered and left the men’s bathroom, apparently unaware of the assault underway, Long Beach Police Det. Craig Newland said.

A single stall was locked during the attack, and the victim was evidently too terrified to make noise, police said.

The girl had gone to the restaurant, on Anaheim Street west of Redondo Avenue, about 7:30 p.m. Friday.

About 45 minutes before the attack, the man asked the 12-year-old girl to meet him “back at the restroom,” Newland said. She did not respond. Later, she used the women’s restroom. As she walked out, he yanked her into the men’s restroom a few feet away, police said. He later left the area on foot.

A short time later, another man found the girl in the restroom and police were called.

Managers at the McDonald’s referred calls to a Los Angeles public relations firm, which issued a statement from owner Kevin Kasha. It said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family” and expressed concern for customer safety.

Police praised Kasha for installing cameras, saying they were vital to the investigation.