WEST NEW YORK, N.J. — A 20-year-old man was arrested Friday after he allegedly groped a 12-year-old girl near a busy intersection in West New York, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Victor ConsiguaSaloj, of West New York, is charged with sexual assault by contact, a second-degree crime, and endangering the welfare of a child, a third-degree crime. Authorities say he was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility following his arrest and is awaiting his first court appearance.

Shortly after 6 p.m., West New York Police responded to a report that a young girl had been groped by an unknown male in the area of Bergenline Avenue and 58th Street. Officers arrived at the scene and met with the victim, her guardian, and a witness.

The witness positively identified the suspect on the scene, and ConsiguaSaloj was immediately taken into custody, officials said. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit later formally charged him.

“The West New York Police Department was notified that a 12-year-old female juvenile was groped by an unknown male,” the prosecutor’s office stated.

Ongoing investigation

The investigation is being led by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit. Officials did not release additional information about the circumstances surrounding the incident or whether the suspect and victim had any prior connection.

ConsiguaSaloj remains in custody as prosecutors prepare for an initial court appearance in the coming days. It is unclear at this time if he has retained legal representation.

Authorities have not disclosed whether there are other possible victims. The case remains under active investigation.

A 20-year-old was taken into custody after police say a witness identified him as the man who groped a child in broad daylight.

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