PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The police are asking the public's help in identifying a man who is accused of taking pictures up the skirt of a shopper at Providence Place mall, according to Lindsay M. Lague, public information officer for the public safety commissioner.

The shopper told police she was riding up an escalator about 10:25 a.m. Tuesday when she felt the man's cell phone touching her leg. She turned around to confront the man, who fled down another escalator and out of the mall to Francis Street, toward the State House.

He was described as in his late 30s or 40s; with a long, brown ponytail, and glasses; and wearing a green polo shirt, dark-colored book bag, black shorts, dark-colored shoes and white socks.

Anyone with information should call the police at (401) 272-3121.