Search for person in ‘Pink Panther’ costume continues after case goes viral

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (7News) — Fredericksburg Police hung up flyers in neighborhoods and businesses Wednesday, asking for help finding a person dressed in a “pink panther” costume who reportedly followed kids near their bus stop.

Because of the unusual way the man was dressed, the case has drawn national attention.

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Fredericksburg Police said the person was seen last Thursday around 4:30 p.m. in the area of Lafayette Boulevard. Witnesses said he was seen in several locations in and around the Olde Greenwich area.

“I’m seeing a person in a pink panther-looking costume,” recounted Russ Ray, a local realtor who spotted the person walking along Lafayette Boulevard on the afternoon of May 14. “I thought that was a little bizarre, so I shot a quick video and put it on TikTok saying, ‘What’s going on, Fredericksburg?’”

As of Wednesday evening, the video had been viewed 1.5 million times.

The Fredericksburg Police Department is searching for a person who was wearing a pink costume and allegedly following children (Fredericksburg Police Department)

Ray said he later learned police were looking for the person, and he hopes his video helps them solve the case.

A store manager of a convenience store on Lafayette Boulevard told 7News the person came into her store and walked to the wine section. She said he was a man – she could tell by a portion of his mask that was missing.

She said she demanded he take off his mask and then some of her regular customers did the same, but the man never responded. He eventually left.

The Fredericksburg Police Department posted the following on Facebook asking for the public’s help in identifying the person:

“Anyone who has seen or interacted with the suspect is urged to contact the Fredericksburg Police Department at 540-373-3122. To make an anonymous tip, send a text to “847-411” and text “FPDtip” followed by your tip. Or, download the free FPD Tip app available for Android and iPhones. To download the app, search “FPD Tip” in the Google or iTunes App Store.”