Police said a group of young students were on a field trip visiting the Westfield mall on Baldwin Avenue on Nov. 26. The man walked up to the line of children, put his arm around a 5-year-old girl and started leading her away.
A teacher saw what was happening, ran over and pulled his arm off the girl.
The suspect walked away.
"The teacher's actions were right on par. She noticed that there was a problem, she intervened, and got the child away from the man immediately," said an Arcadia police officer.
"Because it's a holiday season, it just means there's more people and more crowd around," he said. "You constantly have to keep an eye on your children regardless of where you're at."
Police said the suspect was described as an Asian man believed to be in his 50s with gray hair and a bald spot, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 170 pounds. It was raining the day of the incident, police said, and the man was seen carrying an umbrella with a circular design.
Police hope the public can help take the suspect off the street.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5160.
- Get more local news headlines from Los Angeles
- Have a news tip? Send your tips, video, or pictures
