WARREN, Mich. – Elijah Lawrence, 22, has been charged with inappropriately touching an 11-year-old girl while inside the bathroom of a Home Depot in Warren.
The incident occurred on Sunday (April 14) at 3:48 p.m. in the 25879 block of Hoover Road when an 11-year-old girl and her sister entered the women’s bathroom at the hardware store.
While inside the bathroom, the girls realized that the 22-year-old was following them inside, causing them to try and exit before the 11-year-old was touched inappropriately.
Officials say the 11-year-old informed her mother, who notified Home Depot staff. The staff located Lawrence in the store and began following him as they called 911 for assistance.
Lawrence sensed he was being followed and ran out of the store. Police believe he tried to break into a car in the parking lot before the incident, stole a bike, and disappeared into a nearby neighborhood, but not for long as the staff continued to follow him.
Less than 24 hours later, the 22-year-old was identified and tracked inside his home in Warren, where he was placed under arrest.
“Within 24 hours, through law enforcement techniques, we were able to identify him and take him into custody,” said Detective John Talos.
Police say they executed a search warrant at the home and seized crucial evidence pertaining to the incident.
On Tuesday, April 16, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Lawrence with one count of criminal sexual conduct second-degree (15-year felony), one count of possession of child sexually abusive material (4-year-felony), and two counts of larceny less than $200 (93-day misdemeanor).
He was previously convicted for motor vehicle theft, several felony arrest contacts, and is a habitual second offender.
On Wednesday, April 17, Lawrence was charged in 37th District Court, where he pled not guilty.
The judge set his bond at $250,000 cash/surety with a GPS tether required if bond was not posted.
His next court date is May 7.
Warren police wanted to share the story because they believed more victims could exist.
“And that’s what we want the public to know, to talk to your children let them be alert, speak out immediately so we can assist.”
If you or someone you know has had unwanted contact with Lawrence, call Warren Special Victim’s Unit at 586-574-4816 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up.
All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Click here to submit a tip online.