A pervert was busted for allegedly installing a hidden camera under a sink in a San Jose Starbucks restroom and filming at least two people — and police now worry that the sicko has struck before.
The recording device was discovered on June 9 at approximately 9:30 a.m. by an employee at the coffee shop at 181 East Santa Clara Street. The worker found the camera positioned directly under the restroom sink, according to KTVU.
Investigators with the Sexual Assaults Investigation Unit of the San Jose Police Department believe the hidden camera was affixed under the sink for approximately 30 minutes.
The device was active long enough to record two unsuspecting patrons, KTVU reports.
“It captured two victims, a middle-aged adult female victim, and then an older adult male victim,” police spokeswoman Stacie Shih told the outlet. “So if you believe you were a victim of this incident, please contact our detectives.”
Investigators were able to identify and track down a suspect in the case by using automated license plate reader cameras.
Police arrested 38-year-old David Perales of San Jose on July 2. He was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on a charge of invasion of privacy.
Because of the nature of the crime, police are investigating whether the suspect may have targeted other public locations.
“Anyone who has an ill intention of invading anyone’s privacy could target any business, any location,” said Shih.
Starbucks released a statement saying the company would cooperate fully with law enforcement.
“This is a deeply disturbing incident, and we are grateful for the quick and thorough response from the San Jose Police Department. We cannot overstate the importance of providing a safe environment for our customers and partners (employees),” the statement read.
San Jose police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim to contact the department.
Residents told KTVU that the shocking crime made them scared of using the bathroom in public places.
“I might just hold it until I get home,” one man told the station.
