Mother speaks out after teen daughter harassed in Palm Springs

A mother in Palm Springs is speaking out after her teenage daughter was reportedly harassed and nearly attacked by a homeless man on the way to school.

It happened last Tuesday on S. Sunrise Way near Ramon Road.

“When she got across the bridge, he was literally running after her and trying to grab at her and take her under the bridge,” said the victim’s mother.

The girl ran from the man and a driver stopped to help her and called police. Officers arrested 44-year-old Thomas Mabe for felony child annoyance and violating probation.

The teenager wasn’t hurt. Her family was grateful she had taken safety training classes with Christopher’s Clubhouse several years ago.

“She felt some power that she had some defensive techniques,” said the mother.

“My first thought is thank God she’s OK, that she got away. She has gone through the training to learn what to do in situations, to be aware, to have empowerment, to not freeze,” said Mika Moulton, founder of Christopher’s Clubhouse.

It happened just a couple blocks from Sunrise Park where dozens of homeless people often hang out. The family hopes the city will increase public safety in the area.

“Why don’t we pull together as a city to do something once and for all to help the homeless,” said the victim’s mother. “Something’s going to happen, someone’s going to get hurt, a child’s going to be hurt or an elderly person is going to be attacked.”

Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon said the city is increasing its Homeless Task Force. It has included additional social service, community service and homeless officers to monitor Sunrise Park, uptown and downtown Palm Springs.