Police Investigate Series of Fondlings in Bailey’s Crossroads

Fairfax County Police are looking for the man responsible for a series of fondling incidents in the Bailey's Crossroads area.

Seven forcible fondlings at busy shopping centers in the area have been reported since March 22, police said. Each crime happened between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. along the busy Route 7 and Route 50 corridor.

"The victims are all women," said Lucy Caldwell of Fairfax County police. "They're all between the ages of 20 and 40. And none has been seriously, however it's very concerning."

In each case, the man approached his victims from behind, fondling or grabbing their buttocks or crotch area before running away, police said. Because of the quick nature of the crime, the victims have not been able to provide police with many details about the man.

Several sexual assaults have been reported in the Bailey's Crossroads area this year.

Last month, Sloan Wilson Rappoport, 44, of Arlington, was arrested in connection with the January abduction and sexual battery of a woman shopping in at the Ross in the 5800 block of Crossroads Center Way.

In a separate incident, a woman was walking in front of the Bob's Furniture Store on her way to a bus stop in the 5800 block of Leesburg Pike on Jan. 29, when she heard footsteps behind her. Police said she was grabbed and assaulted, but was able to flee.