HOUSTON – A man accused of sexually assaulting a girl while the two were visiting a Houston museum nearly two months ago was arrested in Arkansas, according to police.
The incident happened Oct. 16 at the Children’s Museum of Houston on Binz Street.
According to Houston police, 40-year-old Joseph Anderson was visiting the museum with an 11-year-old girl, with whom he was acquainted. They said that Anderson took the girl away from her sisters to the second-floor Laser Exhibit of the museum.
According to court documents, he took her behind the exhibit and touched her while also touching himself.
Police said that two people witnessed the man with his pants down behind the exhibit and reported it to museum staff. They said staff took the girl to a private room, where she confirmed what witnesses reported.
“A female and her child as they were exiting one of the exhibits looked to the left and saw the incident,” said Houston police Officer Donovan.
Anderson fled, police said.
“We have video of him fleeing the scene, straight to his vehicle and we have not been able to have contact with him since,” Donovan said
Anderson was taken into custody Friday afternoon after investigators learned he was staying with relatives in Paragould, Arkansas. He is awaiting extradition to Harris County.
Police said that Anderson, who is charged with two counts of indecency with a child in connection with the October incident, may also be responsible for other sexual assaults at different locations.
“She is back to living a normal life, and thankfully it looks like everything is going to work out for her, but we do need to catch this guy. He is active predator, in my mind, to the children of Houston,” Donovan said.
The Children’s Museum of Houston released the following statement regarding the Oct.16 incident:
“We want to thank the Houston Police Department for their expertise and guidance. The safety of our visitors at the Children’s Museum of Houston is always our top priority, and we are deeply saddened by this incident between the suspect and a child he brought to the Museum with his family. We have been cooperating fully with the Houston Police Department and ask that the public provide whatever help they can to find this man and bring him to justice. Please contact Houston Police at 713-308-1140 if you have any information to help investigators.”
Anyone whos believe their child may have had inappropriate contact with him is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.