Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting Boy at Mall

A 39-year-old West Haven man has been busted for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy at the Westfield Shoppingtown/Connecticut Post Mall, police said.

The suspect, identified as Malik Almkawy of 153 Bull Hill Lane, spoke to the boy briefly and held onto his hand during the incident Monday at the mall at 1201 Boston Post Road, according to police.

"Almkawy allegedly manipulated the boy’s hand causing it to touch the outer clothing area of Almkawy’s genitals. At the same time, Almkawy placed his hand on the outer clothing area of the victim’s genitals," police said in a press release.

The boy reported the incident to a store employee, who contacted mall security, according to police. Almkawy was found inside the mall by security officers based on a description provided by the boy, police said.

Milford officers investigated, leading to Almkawy's bust on charges of fourth-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and second-degree breach of peace, according to police.

Almkawy was processed and held on a $25,000 bond pending a court appearance.