Police look for man accused of groping on buses

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)-- Hartford Police are searching for a man that they say has been groping young women on city buses.

They say two victims have come forward but they believe there are several others and they're hoping the surveillance picture will help police find their man.

Police say 58-year-old Jesus Ayala is wanted on two arrest warrants charged with fourth degree sexual assault.

They say he's targeting young women, mainly on 'CT Transit' busses in the Hartford area.

"And he would secretively and passively begin touching the female. It wasn't by force. It wasn't overly aggressive. It was more secretly," said Lt. Brian Foley, Hartford Police.

So far two women have come forward but police say several others have complained to bus drivers, only to leave the scene before officers arrived.
   
"When they're sitting next to a window on a bus and a gentleman sits next to you and you're a younger girl, it's going to be difficult for you to get up and get out in that situation," said Lt. Foley.

Still, riders News 8 talked to today say they generally feel safe on the bus and that knowing there may be a "groper" on the loose won't change their daily routine.

"I would completely stand up for myself, aint none of that touchy touchy feely feely stuff, especially if I don't know someone, that's crazy," said Destiny Pervis of New Haven.

"It can be a little crazy, but it gets people where they need to go so I can't complain. It gets me where I need to go every day, so," said Patreena Charles of Hamden.

Ayala is also a suspect in a similar incident that happened in Manchester.

He is described as a 6'1" Hispanic male, who weighs 200 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes. During both incidents, he was spotted wearing a bright blue winter coat, blue jeans and sneakers.
       
Police are hoping the surveillance photos will lead them to his arrest and to more possible victims.

If located, contact detectives at 860-757-4232 or 860-757-4186.