Police Seek Suspect in Alleged Upskirt Photo Incident at Irvine H-Mart

Irvine, California police are seeking the public's help to identify a man suspected of taking an upskirt photograph of a woman at a local H-Mart store. The incident occurred recently at the H-Mart located at Alton and Culver streets.

According to a statement from the Irvine Police Department, the suspect allegedly followed a female customer through the store and took a photo beneath her clothing without her knowledge or consent. The department publicized the case on Wednesday, October 7, as part of its #WantedWednesday campaign, which aims to enlist community assistance in identifying individuals sought by law enforcement.

A surveillance image released by the police department shows a man in a white t-shirt holding a phone. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect, nor have any charges been formally announced in connection with the incident.

Police have not specified the exact date of the alleged offense but indicated it was a recent event. Investigators are working to establish the full details of what transpired, identify the individual responsible, and determine if criminal charges are warranted. The department has not yet stated whether the alleged photograph was distributed or if the suspect is linked to similar incidents in other locations.

California law, specifically Penal Code Section 647(j)(2), addresses the act of secretly photographing or recording another person under or through their clothing without consent under certain circumstances. A conviction for a first-offense misdemeanor can result in up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, the potential penalties are not an announced punishment in this case, as authorities are still in the process of identifying and potentially charging the suspect. Any criminal liability would depend on the evidence gathered and the applicable legal statutes.