An eleven-year-old boy was sexually harassed by a man in Waiblingen (Rems-Murr district) on Tuesday morning, police reported Wednesday. The boy was on his way to school when he was pulled into a backyard on Dammstraße by the man. On Wednesday afternoon, police announced an investigative success: a suspect had been identified, according to a spokesperson.
The “Stuttgarter Zeitung” first reported on the incident. Later that afternoon, the 20-year-old suspect was arrested after the boy recognized him, police and the Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office stated. The suspect is now in investigative custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
Two Women Hear Calls for Help
According to a police spokesperson, the suspect began to undress the child in the backyard after pulling him from the sidewalk. The boy screamed for help, alerting two women in a house adjacent to the backyard. The women shouted from the window, demanding the man stop immediately. The man then fled, and the women went to assist the boy.
The police spokesperson praised the boy’s actions, stating he “shouted for help and thus drew attention to himself.”
Safety Tips for Parents and Children
Police advise parents to teach their children to never go with strangers. “And if they do find themselves in such a situation, they should make themselves heard,” the police spokesperson said. Further tips and rules of conduct are available from the police crime prevention program, a collaborative effort between federal and state authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Waiblingen?
An eleven-year-old boy was sexually harassed by a man on Tuesday morning while walking to school. The man pulled the boy into a backyard on Dammstraße.
What action did the police take?
Police identified a suspect and arrested a 20-year-old man on Wednesday afternoon after the boy recognized him. The suspect is currently in investigative custody.
What advice does the police offer to parents?
The police advise parents to teach their children to never go with strangers and to shout for help if they find themselves in a dangerous situation.
How can communities work together to ensure the safety of children?
