Ferndale police are seeking help identifying person who inappropriately touched women

Ferndale Police are investigating incidents involving an individual who made inappropriate physical contact with women in the area. He targets women who walk alone, police said.

Photos provided by Ferndale Police

The person Ferndale police are looking for is described as a black man with long, curly hair. He has been seen riding a mountain style mountain bike.

FERNDALE – Ferndale police are looking for a person of interest who the department believes has had inappropriate interactions with women in the area.

According to Ferndale Police, the person the department is looking for has been involved in a series of inappropriate physical contacts with women and on three known occasions “inappropriately touched women while passing them on a bicycle.”

“According to witness reports, the suspect approaches female victims from the front while riding a bicycle,” Ferndale Police Department communications liaison Evan Ahlin said in an email. “After passing them, he turns back and, while still driving, inappropriately touches them before fleeing the scene.”

The person was described as a black man with long, curly hair who was seen riding a mountain bike and targeting women walking alone, police said.

“We strongly urge residents, especially women, to remain vigilant while walking, avoid distractions such as using phones or headphones, and immediately report any suspicious behavior,” Ferndale police said in a news release.

The first incident occurred on Friday, July 12 at 4:00 PM near Vester and Woodward avenues; the second at 8:40 PM on Monday, August 5, near Woodward and East Breckenridge Street; and the third at 7:20 PM on Monday, October 21, near Farmdale and West Troy streets.

If anyone has any information about the identity of the individual or about past incidents that were not reported to police, they are asked to contact the Ferndale Police Department at (248) 541-3650.

“The safety and well-being of our community are our top priorities, and we are working diligently to identify and apprehend the individual responsible,” the department said. “The Ferndale Police Department will continue to increase patrols in affected areas and work with community members to ensure safety.”