Security officers detain suspect in sexual assault of child
Pico Rivera CA Oct 23 2017
Deputies, aided by security guards and good Samaritans, jailed a Whittier man Sunday on suspicion of molesting a young boy inside the bathroom of a crowded Pico Rivera park, authorities said.
Eduardo Ciarelli, 38, was booked on suspicion of child molestation following the incident, which was reported about 11:30 a.m. at Smith Park, 6016 Rosemead Blvd., according to Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials and booking records.
A young boy alerted adults that a man had touched him inside a restroom, Lt. Ann Devane said.
Staff members from numerous youth sports groups using the park that day, as well as outraged parents, confronted the man, said Ahmad Childress, who was at the park Sunday watching his children play football.
“While watching my son’s flag football game at Smith Park, we noticed a scuffle near the bathrooms,” he said by email. “There was a large man surrounded by a group of event staff, (youth football) officials and some parents.”
Booking records described Ciarelli as 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 250 pounds.
Security guards detained the man and held him until sheriff’s deputies arrived, according to officials and witnesses.
The suspect told parents at the park that was merely trying to help the boy wash his hands, Childress said.
Deputies ultimately arrested Ciarelli on suspicion of committing a lewd or lascivious act on a child, Devane said.
Ciarelli was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail pending his initial court appearance, records show.
Anyone with information can reach the sheriff’s Pico Rivera Station at 562-949-2421. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Whittier Daily News
