A 53-year-old Long Island man has been arrested for allegedly using his cell phone to take inappropriate pictures of a 13-year-old girl while she shopped at a local Target store.

Aqeel Ahmad of Selden was arrested yesterday for allegedly taking lewd photographs up a minor's dress at the Target store in Independence Plaza on October 19, according to Long Island News 12. Suffolk County police said Ahmad bent down and used his cell phone to photograph the 13-year-old girl while she was browsing greeting cards around 2 p.m.

The girl's father witnessed the incident and immediately confronted Ahmad, who fled the store before police could arrive. Ahmad was arrested 10 days later near his residence, less than a mile from where the alleged crime occurred.

Incident Details At Independence Plaza Store

The alleged crime took place on Sunday, October 19, when Ahmad approached the unsuspecting teenager while she was shopping in the greeting card section of the Target store. Police investigators said Ahmad deliberately positioned himself to take inappropriate photographs up the girl's dress using his cell phone camera.

The victim was unaware of Ahmad's actions until her father observed the suspicious behavior and intervened. The father's quick response likely prevented additional photographs from being taken and ensured that the suspect could be identified for later arrest.

The incident occurred during daylight hours in a busy retail environment, highlighting concerns about predatory behavior in public spaces. The timing and location suggest that Ahmad may have been specifically targeting the store as a location to commit such acts against minors.

Father's Intervention And Police Response

The victim's father immediately recognized the inappropriate nature of Ahmad's actions and confronted the suspect directly. His quick thinking and decisive action helped protect his daughter and potentially other children in the store from further victimization.

When confronted by the father, Ahmad immediately fled the Target store rather than attempting to explain his behavior. The suspect's decision to run away strongly suggested his awareness of the criminal nature of his actions.

The father promptly contacted police to report the incident, providing authorities with a description of the suspect and details about his behavior. This immediate reporting allowed police to begin their investigation while the incident was still fresh and witnesses were available.

Arrest Details And Criminal Charges

Suffolk County police arrested Ahmad yesterday around 6:40 p.m. near the intersection of College Road and Galaxie Lane in Selden. The arrest location was down the block from Ahmad's apartment complex and less than a mile from the Target store where the alleged crime occurred.

Ahmad faces charges of second-degree unlawful surveillance and endangering the welfare of a child, both serious offenses that reflect the predatory nature of his alleged actions. These charges carry significant potential penalties and demonstrate law enforcement's commitment to protecting minors from exploitation.

The suspect was held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip this morning. The timing of the court appearance will allow prosecutors to formally present the charges and seek appropriate bail conditions.

Lessons to Learn

1. Pay close attention to your surroundings in public spaces. Crimes like this can occur in places you would least expect—such as well-lit, family-oriented retail stores. Staying vigilant, especially around children, can help deter or identify potential threats early.

2. Act quickly if something feels off. In this case, the swift action taken by the girl’s father was instrumental in triggering a police investigation and eventual arrest. If you witness something suspicious or inappropriate, report it immediately to law enforcement.

3. Understand that crime can affect anyone. No set of precautions can guarantee complete protection from harm. This does not mean victims are ever to blame. Community awareness and support play crucial roles in both prevention and justice for victims.

Why This Story Matters

This story raises awareness about the reality of predatory actions lurking in everyday settings. Public safety, particularly for children, depends on both law enforcement and alert community members acting together. Highlighting such incidents reminds us of the importance of vigilance and rapid response in keeping vulnerable populations safe. Additionally, the case underscores the role citizens play in crime reporting and prevention and demonstrates the value of immediate action when a suspected crime is seen firsthand. Awareness and communication remain vital tools in the broader fight against child exploitation and illegal surveillance tactics.

Conclusion

Aqeel Ahmad, 53, was arrested on October 28 for allegedly taking invasive photos of a 13-year-old girl at a Selden Target store earlier in the month. Officials say the girl's father confronted Ahmad after witnessing the incident, prompting the suspect to flee. Police located and arrested him near his home nine days later and charged him with unlawful surveillance and endangering the welfare of a child. Ahmad is being held at the Suffolk County Sixth Precinct and is scheduled for arraignment in Central Islip. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone with similar experiences to contact local detectives.