quincy

Man Arrested After Allegedly Making ‘Inappropriate Remarks' to Juveniles

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A man has been arrested after allegedly making "inappropriate remarks" to children in Quincy, Massachusetts.

One incident, reported on Jan. 9, took place that day on Coddington Street at around 4:30 p.m., police said. The victim, who police said was a juvenile female, told police she was approached by an Asian male in his 20s wearing sunglasses who had acne and a thin mustache.

The 13-year-old victim told police the suspect allegedly offered her money for sex.

"I heard screaming, yelling, 'go away,'" Quincy High School freshman Andrew Hodgdon recalled.

Nearby residents also said they heard the girl scream and saw the suspect drive away.

"I had seen her running and the man coming out and at that point, the Asian man was going to his car and just took off. I mean he peeled out of here," witness Nicole Palermo said.

The next day, police received a report of a second incident that took place on Jan. 9 at around 4 p.m. on Taffrail Road by Palmer Street. Police said the victim’s description of the man was “very similar” to that of the first victim.

The second victim said the same man had approached her on Jan. 4 in the same area. On that day, the man allegedly exited his vehicle and began running toward the girl and her friends before stopping.

"We're taking the allegations very seriously. We want to determine who this gentleman is," Quincy Police Sgt. Karyn Barkas said.

Monday night, police announced that 20-year-old Benjamin Chen of Quincy had been arrested.

Chen faces charges of enticing a minor, accosting a person of the opposite sex and soliciting sex for a fee, according to police.

The incidents remained under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Quincy Police at 617-479-1212.

"We think it's a great opportunity to speak with your children about the stranger danger and what are the appropriate steps if anyone makes them uncomfortable," Barkas said.

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