Matthew Cameron Arrested in Nebraska for Alleged Groping of Teenage Girls in Park Ridge, Facing Multiple Aggravated Battery Charges
Park Ridge, IL – April 23, 2025 — A man accused of groping multiple teenage girls in Park Ridge, Illinois, has been apprehended in Nebraska and extradited to face charges of aggravated battery. Matthew Cameron, 40, was arrested on April 11 and later charged with four counts of aggravated battery stemming from incidents in the late summer of 2024. Authorities say that Cameron targeted girls aged 12 to 14 in the Park Ridge area, touching them inappropriately before fleeing the scene.
A Disturbing Series of Incidents
The alleged incidents took place between August 23 and September 5, 2024, in the central Park Ridge area. Police say Cameron approached his victims, grabbed their buttocks, and quickly fled each time. The disturbing nature of these incidents left the community shaken, and local law enforcement immediately launched an investigation to track down the suspect.
Investigative Breakthrough
The investigation was bolstered by a combination of community tips and surveillance footage, which helped police identify Cameron as the prime suspect. Despite his identification, Cameron had already fled the state, complicating efforts to capture him. Authorities then obtained a nationwide arrest warrant for the 40-year-old, hoping to track him down outside of Illinois.
Arrest in Nebraska
On April 11, a breakthrough came when the U.S. Marshals Metro Fugitive Task Force and the Nebraska State Patrol located Cameron at a rest stop along Interstate 80 in Nebraska. The arrest was carried out without incident, and Cameron was taken into custody.
After waiving extradition, Cameron was transported back to Illinois on April 22 by Park Ridge detectives. Upon his return, he was formally charged and taken to the Skokie Courthouse for a detention hearing.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
Cameron now faces serious legal repercussions for his alleged actions, which authorities describe as “horrifying.” He is scheduled for further proceedings, with prosecutors pushing for a detention hearing to determine his bail and the next steps in the case.
The news of his arrest has brought a sense of relief to the Park Ridge community, which has expressed deep concern over the impact of the incidents on the victims and their families. Local authorities are commending the work of the community and law enforcement agencies that led to Cameron’s capture.
Moving Forward
The case is still ongoing, and further details will emerge as the legal process continues. Authorities have yet to release additional information about the victims, though they have praised the bravery of the young girls who were targeted, as well as the tips provided by the public that helped lead to Cameron’s identification and arrest.
What’s Next:
The public is encouraged to come forward if they have any further information about the case or if they believe they may have seen something related to the incidents. Park Ridge police are continuing their investigation and working closely with the district attorney’s office to ensure that justice is served.
If you or someone you know has been affected by similar crimes, local organizations are available to provide support and resources for those in need.