Drunk man swept away by drain before allegedly molesting boy in South Tangerang

Police have revealed the actions of a man identified as A, also known as R (23), who is suspected of molesting a 9-year-old boy in Setu, South Tangerang. The suspect was reportedly swept away by a drain’s current while playing in the rain.

‘At 2pm WIB, A alias R left his rented room to play in the rain and fell into a drain, being carried away by the current,’ said Cisauk Police Station Chief Assistant Commissioner Dhady Arsya to reporters on Monday, 25 May 2026.

The suspect then saw children at the scene and invited them to play hide-and-seek. It was during this game that he allegedly molested the victim.

‘According to witness statements, during the hide-and-seek game, the suspect grabbed the child’s trousers, prompting the child to scream, after which the suspect fled,’ he said.

Residents chased and assaulted A. The suspect was also reported to have attempted to steal a resident’s phone.

‘A immediately fled but was eventually apprehended by locals. Before being caught, he entered a resident’s house and took a mobile phone, but was pursued again,’ said AKP Dhady.

The incident was reported on Sunday, 24 May. The suspect is believed to have consumed alcohol with his sibling.

‘When Cisauk police arrived at the scene, A alias R was already being attacked by the crowd, so officers swiftly took the suspect to the police station. After being detained, he was taken to Keranggan Community Health Centre for treatment due to the mob assault,’ he added.