Middle school student reports another groping, police searching for suspect

SEATTLE -- Police are looking for a suspect who reportedly groped a middle school student Thursday morning as she walked to school.

Madison Middle School officials called police around 11 a.m. after a student reported that a man followed her off a bus near California Avenue and SW Stevens Street and grabbed her from behind, Seattle police said. Shortly after the groping, the man allegedly boarded a bus in the West Seattle Junction neighborhood. The student ran to school and told school officials.

The suspect is described as a black male in his mid 20s, with short dreadlocks. He was wearing a black sweatshirt and black jeans, police said.

The report comes a day after a 14-year-old girl said a stranger followed her around the Westwood Village Shopping Center and wrapped both of his arms around the her. The girl managed to get away and run to the Denny International Middle School nearby.

Since January, warnings have gone out on at least six different crimes targeting students in the West Seattle area, including flashings, possible luring attempts, and even a robbery.

Seattle Public Schools sent a letter to Madison Middle School families alerting them of Thursday's groping and reiterating that student safety is a top priority.

"We will continue to collaborate with the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security to help monitor the surrounding area," school officials said.

Police are working with King County Metro Police to find the most recent reported groper. Anyone who has information about this incident, or any of the others, is encouraged to call 911.