A San Bernardino County man was arrested for allegedly taking photos of young girls at a local fairground.

The suspect was identified as Ashok Melvani, 71, of Apple Valley, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Melvani was listed as a doctor specializing in family medicine at Providence Medical Foundation in Victorville, according to the Victorville Daily Press.

On Oct. 5, a witness reportedly saw Melvani taking pictures of two juvenile girls who were standing at a food vendor truck at the Victorville Fairgrounds.

When the witness confronted Melvani, he ran away. The witness chased after him and was able to hold him in place until deputies arrived.

The young victims did not know Melvani and said they were unaware that he was taking photos of them, authorities said.

Following an investigation, detectives said he recorded the victims “for his own sexual pleasure and has recorded other females in the past.”

Melvani was arrested for annoyance of a child under 18 years of age. Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.

Anyone who may be a victim or has information on the case is urged to call the Victorville Police Station at 760-241-2911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001. 

Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.