BLITAR – Police in Blitar have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of carrying out a motorcycle groping attack on a high school student on her way to school. Officers identified the suspect as SB and said he targeted the victim while she rode along a quiet road in Sananwetan district.
The assault occurred around 7.30 a.m. on Jalan Muradi when traffic remained light. According to investigators, the suspect followed the 17-year-old victim from behind on a motorcycle, moved closer, and groped her. The victim immediately screamed for help, drawing attention from nearby residents.
Residents chased and stopped the suspect as he tried to flee. They held him at the scene until police arrived and took him into custody.
Blitar City Police criminal investigation chief AKP Rudy Kuswoyo said officers believe the suspect may have committed similar acts before. He added that the suspect deliberately chose a quiet route to increase his chances of escaping after the assault.
Police seized the suspect’s motorcycle and clothing as evidence and collected the victim’s medical examination report. Investigators have charged SB under Indonesia’s Sexual Violence Crime Law and Article 415(b) of the Criminal Code.
If convicted, he faces criminal penalties for sexual assault. Police said the arrest prevented potential vigilante action by residents at the scene.