Man accused of groping young girl in Tacony arrested, charged

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Philadelphia police have arrested and charged a man after they say he groped a young girl as she walked to school Wednesday morning.

Police say the victim was walking on the 4500 block of Longshore Avenue around 8 a.m. when police say she was approached by Joshua Perierra-Lopez.

Perierra-Lopez, 29, is accused of following the young girl down the street and attempting to grab her, reaching for her backside.

The child--caught off guard-- whips around then follows him. There is a brief exchange before he walks to a car and gets inside. Surveillance video of the incident shows him driving away.

MORE: Police: Man attempts to grab girl on her way to school in Tacony

Perierra-Lopez surrendered to police shortly after the incident and has been charged with indecent assault, terroristic threats, and simple assault.

The creepy exchange happened less than one block from Keystone Academy Charter School. The school sent a letter home to families in light of the incident saying that the 15th Police District would increase patrols near the school. The letter also advised parents to remind their children to be vigilant and to pay close attention to their surroundings. It went on to say "require your child to walk in a group during morning arrival and dismissal and to report suspicious behaviors to an adult."