Suspect grabbed girl, 5, at store, police say

Spokane police Wednesday arrested a man they said had “grabbed” a 5-year-old girl at a grocery store.

The suspect, Spokane resident Richard P. Becka, 55, was booked into jail on suspicion of third-degree child assault.

Becka let go of the girl when her parents called police, Sgt. Tom Lee said.

“At this time, we do not believe Becka was trying to kidnap the child,” Lee said in a press release. “However, the investigation will continue.”

Lee said the incident occurred at the Albertsons store at Northwest Boulevard and Maple Street.

Becka followed the family into the store and grabbed the girl after trying several times to strike up a conversation with the family, according to Lee.

Becka left the store on foot, but the parents followed him while directing police with a cell phone, Lee said.

The girl was unharmed.