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Melrose man accused of inappropriately touching several women, girls

MELROSE, Mass. — A man accused of touching several women and girls inappropriately inside a Melrose Starbucks will head to court next week.

The 48-year-old suspect, who has not been named by police, has been accused of touching several females in several public places.

According to Melrose police, the incidents occurred over several days in places like supermarkets.

Police said the man would drop coins on the ground, and when he bent over to pick them up he would rub his head on the legs of women and girls walking by. At least five women and girls reported the behavior.

But on Tuesday afternoon, a local consignment store said an incident occurred there. Madison Ave wrote on Facebook that one of its shoppers were accosted while browsing.

“We are very shocked and saddened that this happened,” the shop said in a statement. “We feel horrible and very uncomfortable in regards to this incident and are thinking of everyone that’s involved. Luckily, we are surrounded by great neighbors and friends, especially Melrose police.”

Melrose police said they were called to a Starbucks on Main Street when an employee noticed a suspicious man matching the suspect’s description.

Police said the man appeared to not understand English, and also appeared to be intoxicated. A translator was also unable to communicate with him.

Police were able to identify him and contacted a relative, and police said the man may suffer from a mental illness or an intellectual disability.

He will face assault and battery charges and indecent assault and battery charges on a child under 14, and a person over 14.

The man was released to his sister, who is a medical professional. He’s also been ordered not to go to the coffee shop or supermarket.

Police said he will be arrested if he shows up again.