Crime & Safety

Police ID 'Serial Hugger'

Des Peres police have connected a man to hugging women at area retail stores.

Police have identified a man who is suspected of asking women for hugs at area retail stores, including the , KSDK reports

Three incidents occurred at the Des Peres grocery store, where the man reportedly approached women and pretended to know them before asking for a birthday hug, according to KMOV

KSDK reports Des Peres police intend to interview the man about his intentions. It will be up to St. Louis County's Prosecuting Attorney's Office to decide whether any charges will be issued against the man. The hugger never groped or assaulted the women, according to KMOV.

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The Des Peres Police Department has received complaints about the man from women in Des Peres, St. Peters, High Ridge, near Ballwin and in Fairview Heights, KSDK reports.


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