Rialto man suspected of groping woman in Seal Beach store

A 39-year-old Rialto man was arrested on suspicion of groping a woman’s buttocks on Sunday, March 8, according to a Seal Beach police spokesman.

The alleged sexual battery occurred about 11:20 a.m. at the HomeGoods store at 12343 Seal Beach Blvd., said Seal Beach police Sgt. Nick Nicholas.

The suspect was identified as Ruben Erick Diaz, Nicholas said.

The victim was inside the store shopping when she was allegedly approached by Diaz, who grabbed her buttocks, Nicholas said. She had her infant child with her at the time of the alleged battery, and feared for the baby’s safety, he said.

Another shopper witnessed the incident and confronted the suspect, who fled, he said.

Diaz was located a short distance from the store and taken into custody without incident, police said. He was booked on suspicion of sexual battery and child endangerment, and held in the Orange County Jail.

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call Seal Beach police Detective Jon Ainley at 562-799-4100, ext. 1113.