Police have arrested and charged a Hopewell man in the recent groping of a teen in Princeton.

Detectives arrested Melecio Xecchay, 49, earlier this week on charges he grabbed a 17-year-old girl's left leg as she got into her car last Thursday morning in a Franklin Avenue parking lot. Police believe he was trying to grab her buttocks.

Xecchay is charged with attempted criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police say the incident has several similarities to the many prior gropings in town in prior years. Detectives are investigating Xecchay for any possible connections.

Anyone with information may contact Princeton police Detective Eric Dawson at 609-921-2100, ext. 1832.