Howard police search for alleged Columbia sex offender

Release images of suspect

Howard County Police have released images of a man wanted in connection with a May sex offense that reportedly took place in the parking lot of a Columbia Best Buy.

According to police, at around 11:30 a.m. on May 23 a woman was getting into her vehicle parked at Best Buy in the 8200 block of Gateway Overlook when an unknown man reached under her dress and grabbed her. 

When the woman screamed, the man walked away, police said. 

Police said the woman followed the man and observed him get into a white pickup truck, which police believe is a 4-door Doge Ram 2500, with two dark stripes running down the middle. 

The woman, who was unable to get the vehicle tags, observed the truck flee at a high rate of speed, police said. 

Police said video surveillance from Best Buy revealed the man followed the victim around the store and then followed her out.  

Police described the suspect as a white man, in his 20s or 30s, average build, approximately 5 feet, 10 inches with a tan complexion, wearing a camouflaged-colored ball cap, a brown sweat jacket, a white T-shirt, and light brown shorts.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 410-313-STOP. Callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also provide anonymous tips through the free smart phone app, “iWatchHowardCounty.”