Security Guard Allegedly Assaults Teenager at Fullerton Shopping Center

In a troubling incident that has sent shockwaves through the Fullerton community, a 34-year-old security guard named Mohamed Mao was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl. The events unfolded on a Tuesday evening, approximately around 7:20 PM, when the victim—accompanied by her parents—approached the Fullerton police to report the alleged assault. Capt. Jon Radus of the Fullerton Police Department provided details on the case, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against Mao.

The Incident

The preliminary investigation indicates that the assault occurred at a shopping center located in the 1800 block of West Malvern. According to reports, the teenage girl was in a vehicle with her boyfriend when Mao, who was on duty at the shopping center, approached them. In a seemingly authoritative manner, he instructed the boyfriend to leave and demanded that the girl exit her vehicle. Once she complied, she was directed into the backseat of the security guard’s vehicle, where the doors were locked, leaving her trapped and vulnerable.

Mao is alleged to have parked the vehicle before entering the backseat with the victim, where he reportedly assaulted her. Following the incident, the teenager managed to escape and immediately sought help from the authorities, providing them with a detailed account of the traumatic experience.

Police Response and Arrest

Upon receiving the report, Fullerton police officers acted swiftly, mobilizing to the shopping center to investigate. Capt. Radus disclosed that the officers encountered Mohamed Mao as he was allegedly attempting to pull over another vehicle in the vicinity. This encounter led to his immediate arrest, allowing the police to take swift action against the accused.

Mao is currently being held without bail as the investigation unfolds. The arrest highlights law enforcement’s commitment to addressing sexual assault cases promptly, especially those involving minors. The police have assured the public that they are taking these allegations seriously and are committed to ensuring justice is served.

Charges Facing Mao

Mao faces several serious charges, including assault with the intent to commit rape, kidnapping, sexual battery against a minor, and impersonating a police officer. These charges reflect not only the severity of the alleged crime but also the betrayal of trust that comes with the role of a security guard. The legal proceedings are in their early stages, with prosecutors initially requesting additional investigation before making formal charges against Mao.

The fact that the accused was employed as a security guard raises further concerns about safety in public areas, especially for vulnerable populations such as teenagers. Many community members are expressing their shock and disbelief at the incident, emphasizing the importance of having reliable and responsible security personnel in places where families and young people frequent.

Community Reaction

Community reactions have been swift and varied, with a significant outpouring of support for the victim and her family. Local residents are voicing their concerns over safety measures at shopping centers and the qualifications of security personnel who are employed to protect them. Questions regarding training, background checks, and protocols for handling such situations are at the forefront of community discussions. Residents are calling for heightened vigilance and greater accountability in public spaces to prevent future incidents.

As the investigation continues, community members are urged to stay vigilant and informed. Local officials have indicated that they will be reviewing security measures within shopping centers and will work towards ensuring that such violations do not occur in the future.

Conclusion

The arrest of Mohamed Mao has not only brought the seriousness of sexual assault to the forefront but has also raised critical discussions about the safety and security of public spaces. As investigations proceed, it is vital that the community remains supportive of the victim while also calling for systemic changes to increase safety standards. Law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts to educate the public about recognizing potentially dangerous situations and reporting them immediately.

The road to justice can be lengthy, but with community support and vigilant law enforcement, there is hope for accountability and change. The Fullerton community stands united against sexual violence, demanding a safer environment for everyone, especially for its younger members.