NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — When Channel 9's Blaine Tolison showed several New Smyrna Beach residents a picture Matthew Bucklin, many of them immediately recognized him. Hollie Rietdyk said Bucklin, 24, was trespassed from the surf shop where she works.
"He's come into our store plenty of times. (He) kind of just intimidates the girls and makes us really uncomfortable," said Rietdyk.
Police said that on Sunday Bucklin approached a 16-year-old girl from Sorrento outside of a convenience store on Atlantic Avenue. According to police he first asked the girl how she was and told her she was cute. A police report states he lifted her up, chased her and groped her while trying to kiss her.
"Normally, it's a really nice town -- homey, nice families -- but that's just crazy," said Rietdyk.
Police said the girl ran to a group of people and called her dad for help. Bucklin was arrested shortly after.
Tolison found that Bucklin has been arrested seven times in the past few years Volusia County for crimes such as domestic battery, disorderly conduct, trespassing and retail theft.
Bucklin is being held in the Volusia County jail on battery charges. He has a $500 bond.
WFTV
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