Whittier

Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girl at Stater Bros. Market in Whittier

The man allegedly followed a girl into the store's restroom, locked the door behind him, and attempted to sexually assault her.

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A man is accused of sexually assaulting a girl at a Stater Bros. supermarket in Whittier over the weekend.

The man, identified by police as 38-year-old Steven Magdaleno, has been arrested, but investigators believe there could be more victims.

The assault that led to Magdaleno's arrest took place at the Stater Bros. on the corner of Millberry and Mills Avenue, in the unincorporated area of Whittier.

Deputies shared a photo of the man accused in the case, to help encourage the other victims they believe are out there to come forward and share their experiences.

LASD

The shot was captured as deputies took Magdaleno into custody and walked him out of the store.

Detectives with the Norwalk Sheriff's Department say the sexual assault occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Magdaleno allegedly followed a girl into the store's restroom, locked the door behind him, and attempted to sexually assault her.

The girl, who is under 18 years old according to police, screamed for help, getting the attention of other customers and store employees.

The employees got into the bathroom and detained the man until deputies arrived.

Magdaleno was arrested on charges of attempted rape by force, according to a lieutenant with the LASD.

LASD

Investigators are encouraging anyone else who may have been targeted by the man in question, or who knows someone who was, to call the Norwalk station.

Magdaleno is expected in court Tuesday morning.

The man has been arrested, but investigators believe there could be more victims. Lauren Coronado reports for Today in LA on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022.
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