Police seek suspect after teen reports assault

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - A 15-year-old girl in Carmel said she was groped by a stranger as she rode her bike in broad daylight.

It happened Tuesday afternoon off of 126th Street near Brookshire Parkway, on the Cool Creek foot bridge. The girl told police a man came up to her while she was riding her bike, they talked and then he grabbed her chest.

But though police are searching for a suspect, some area residents said they're not concerned.

"I feel safe,” said Sherry Hanlin, who lives nearby. “I have an alarm system, so that helps me to feel safe."

She does use the bridge where the incident reportedly happened.

"I walk to church around the corner, and when I have my grandkids visiting we go down and play on the bridge, throw rocks in the creek," she said.

Carmel Police Department Lt. Jeff Horner said when something like this happens, it's the perfect time to talk to your kids about how to stay safe.

"If they feel uncomfortable or placed in a situation they don't feel is right, they're allowed to leave, and they should leave as quickly as possible, go to a trusted adult," he said.

Horner also stressed that being loud is the best way to get out of a bad situation.

"Say no. Scream. Yell for help. Run away from a dangerous situation," he said. "Really, anything that gains attention to get people over here and scare somebody off."

Police are searching for a white man between the ages of 35 and 50, 5-foot-9, with a muscular build. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS.