SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Southfield Police say they have arrested a 45-year-old Detroit man accused of photographing a 9-year-old girl in a retail store restroom last month.
Police arrested Dale Frye at his Detroit home on Northlawn Street on Monday, Nov. 24, after an investigation into the Oct. 22 incident at the Michael’s store near Telegraph Road and 12 Mile Road.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin V. Barren and investigators released video of officers taking Frye into custody so the public could see the arrest.
According to police, the child and her mother were shopping when the two went to the restroom and entered separate stalls. Investigators say Frye then entered the women’s restroom, placed his phone over the girl’s stall and took images. The child alerted her mother, who called police immediately, officials said.
“A 9-year-old -- let me say that again -- a 9-year-old who was simply out with her mother shopping decided she needed to use the restroom,” Chief Barren said. “A suspect entered a women’s bathroom, placed his phone over the stall and took images of a 9-year-old child.”
Detectives spent about four weeks gathering evidence, including using facial recognition technology, and executed a search warrant at Frye’s home. Police said they seized nine phones, two computers and some firearms during the search.
Frye is in jail on charges that include capturing or distributing images of an unclothed person and using computers to commit a crime, according to investigators.
The victim and her mother, who asked that their faces not be shown on camera, expressed relief after the arrest.
“Finally, he’s off the street and now that footage or whatever it is in the right hands,” the mother said.
She urged others to stay vigilant, “Just be aware of your surroundings all the time.”
Southfield police presented the mother and child with the department’s Chief’s Awards for bravery and courage for their actions following the incident. Police continue to investigate. Frye is due back in court Dec. 8, 2025.