Man with 'lengthy criminal record' attacks 16-year-old girl in LA grocery store bathroom

Customers stormed a Los Angeles grocery store bathroom to rescue a teenage girl from a suspected sexual predator.

The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department said the 39-year-old suspect followed the 16-year-old victim into a bathroom at the Whittier Stater Brothers supermarket around 2 p.m on Sunday then locked the bathroom door behind him.

"The suspect entered the restroom behind the victim, locked the door and that’s when the suspect pushed the victim and got on top of her and attempted to sexually assault her on the ground," LASD Sgt. Jose Ramos said, reports Fox 11.

The teen’s mother heard her screaming for help and began screaming for help herself, catching the attention of staff and other shoppers.

"The screams were just terrifying," a witness told Fox 11.

"She was actually screaming saying ‘help, help! I need help. My daughter’s in the bathroom with a guy.’"

Store employees rushed to unlock the door and three customers pulled the assailant away from his victim and pinned him down until authorities arrived.

The girl was treated at a local hospital.

The suspect was arrested and charged of attempted sexual assault. He is being held on $250,000 and scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 20.

Authorities said the suspect has a "lengthy criminal record," according to Fox 11. 

The LASD did not identify the suspect but released his mugshot on Monday evening because investigators believe there may be more, unidentified victims.

“Detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying any such victims,” the sheriffs office said in a statement.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Special Victims Bureau toll free tip line at (877) 710-5273 or by email at specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org.