Police: Man groped several girls on way to school in the Bronx

SOUNDVIEW, Bronx (WABC) -- Police have arrested a man they say groped and exposed himself to several girls who were on their way to school in the Bronx Wednesday morning.

The incidents occurred on East 172nd and Wheeler Avenue in the Soundview section between 7 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.

The victims, ages 11, 13 and 15, reported having their backsides groped by the suspect in several incidents. The man reportedly asked one girl if she wanted to see his genitals, and asked another if he could "suck her toes." Another victim reported that the man exposed himself.

The victims do not know each other and go to different schools. There are three different schools within the neighborhood.

"A lot of people pass here," parent Devi Persaud said. "There's so many schools around here, too. I guess he has no shame in what he does."

Persaud held on to her daughter's hand on Thursday, after the reports of the incidents.

"You never expect something like that to happen here in this quiet neighborhood," she added.

Authorities arrested 31-year-old Alvin Ortiz and charged him with sex abuse, forcible touching and acting in a manner injurious to a child