MONTEREY >> The Monterey Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in an ongoing investigation that police say was a sexual battery of a juvenile female.

Last Saturday at about 7 p.m., Monterey Police were dispatched to the 800 block of Laine St. in Monterey regarding a report of a sexual battery. According to police, a juvenile female had gone out to check the family’s mailbox, and as she was returning to her residence, a male suspect grabbed her by both arms and began to grope the juvenile victim. At about this time a family member came out of the residence and the suspect fled on foot toward Pacific Grove.

Monterey detectives were called to the scene and assisted with the ongoing investigation.

The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 30 years old, with an average build, about 5 foot 9 inches tall, and had brown curly hair. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt with white writing on the chest and possible white marks on the sleeves, blue jeans with ripped knees and black or black and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or anyone who has video of the area is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Greg Galin at 831-646-3872 or galin@monterey.org. To remain anonymous, call 831-646-3840.