FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A male suspect wanted for allegedly groping a teenager in the men's restroom at a movie theater in Franklin last Friday has been identified and arrested.
Gabriel Ward, 27, of Columbia, Tennessee is charged with felony sexual battery, according to the Franklin Police Department. Ward is a convicted felon and was out of custody on probation when the reported assault happened.
Franklin detectives asked for the public's help locating the man who followed a 14-year-old into the restroom at the AMC Thoroughbred 20 Cinema in the 600 block of Frazier Drive before assaulting the victim. Tips from citizens led to Ward being identified as the suspect and resulted in his eventual arrest.
Ward is being held in the Williamson County Jail on $20,000 bond.
“No one, especially one of our community’s kids, should be assaulted the way this teen was. The victim, his parents, and our team are all relieved by the suspect’s quick identification and arrest. We’re beyond thankful for an engaged community who played a big part in helping to make that happen,” said Franklin police Lt. Charlie Warner.
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