Warren man accused of touching child inappropriately at store charged

A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with allegedly touching a child inappropriately at a Warren store last weekend, police announced Wednesday.

Elijah Lawrence was arrested soon after the incident reported Sunday afternoon at the Home Depot on Hoover Road, city officials said in a statement.

An 11-year-old girl told relatives she and her sister entered the women’s bathroom and noticed another adult enter, but the man, identified as Lawrence, followed behind them, according to the release.

"Upon exiting the bathroom, the male inappropriately touched the 11-year-old victim," police wrote.

The girl's family notified store staffers, who found Lawrence in the store and called 911.

Lawrence fled and stole a bike, authorities said. Investigators also believe he broke into a car before the bathroom incident.

The next day, investigators tracked Lawrence to his home in Warren and arrested him.

He was arraigned Wednesday through 37th District Court on one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony; one count of possession of child sexually abusive material; a four-year felony; and two counts of larceny less than $200, a 93-day misdemeanor.

A not guilty plea was entered. Bond was set at $250,000.

Lawrence, who has a previous conviction for motor vehicle theft and several felony arrests, is required to wear a GPS tether if released. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for April 30.

"The Warren Police Department is concerned that Lawrence may have had additional unreported, unwanted contacts with juveniles in the City of Warren," police said Wednesday.

"Lawrence is currently a suspect in a 'peeping tom' incident from Eastpointe. We are asking the public to look at Lawrence’s picture, speak with your children or other juvenile family members, and ask them if they have had any unwanted contacts with Lawrence."

Anyone who may have had contact Lawrence is asked to call Warren Police Department Special Victim Detectives at (586) 574-4816.