Police Search For Person Of Interest In Child Predator Case

CAMDEN, N.J. -- In Camden, the hunt is on for at least one child predator who's been trying to kidnap young girls.

There have been nine incidents around the city since October. All involved children between the ages of 10 and 16. Prosecutors said two of the nine victims have been sexually assaulted.

Police said they have a person of interest.

"It's been a number of years since law enforcement had contact with him," Camden County Acting Prosecutor Joshua Ottenberg said.

But Ottenberg said their person of interest is back on police radar.

"He has a Pennsauken address. He does have a criminal background," he said

Ottenberg said he isn't identifying the person of interest wanted for questioning in at least two or three of the nine incidents even though they have an important clue.

"One victim knows a nickname," Ottenberg said.

Ottenberg also added that all of the victims were grabbed near 31st and River streets and near 36th and Hayes streets. But police stressed the incidents have occurred all across the city.

"The commonality is the ages and time of day," Ottenberg said.

He said one 14-year-old was sexually assaulted near Cream Elementary in November and another 14 year old fought off an attacker near Sumner Elementary.

"We don't think someone is waiting for kids outside schools," Ottenberg said.

On Wednesday, Camden police and the prosecutor are urging young girls to walk in pairs, let parents know destinations and be aware of surroundings.