Crime & Safety

Man Gropes Shopper, Whispers 'Vulgar Comments'

Laurence Allan Watkins, 40, was charged with abduction and sexual battery in Friday incident.

A woman was shopping in a store when a man touched her inappropriately and “whispered vulgar comments in her ear,” according to the Arlington County Police Department.

Laurence Allan Watkins, 40, of no fixed address was arrested and charged with abduction and sexual battery. The incident occurred at 4:25 p.m. Friday at a store on South Glebe Road near the Arlington Boulevard intersection, according to police.

Watkins held the victim against her will for several minutes until she was able to break free, according to police. Authorities found Watkins nearby. He was held without bond.

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