A Macungie man who police said worked as a substitute teacher in Lehigh County schools has been charged by state police at the Fogelsville barracks with charges relating to an alleged unlawful contact with a minor.

Jared M. Gerhard, 30, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Rashid Santiago on a third degree felony charge of unlawful contact with a minor – sexual offenses, and a second degree charge of indecent assault without consent of the other.

He is free on $35,000 bail.

According to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan, around 5:30 p.m. May 24, police received a 9-1-1 call that a female had been indecently assaulted in the Marshall’s store at 3900 Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township.

Police said the victim, identified as a 17-year-old girl, reported she was inside the store with her family when Gerhard reached between her legs from behind and touched her between her legs. When the victim screamed, Gerhard fled from the store.

A witness from inside the store told police an attempt was made to detain Gerhard, but was unsuccessful when Gerhard pulled away and fled.

Police said upon their arrival, they found a man driving his car at a high rate of speed through the parking lot and onto Mill Creek Road. The driver was stopped along Mill Creek Road and identified as Gerhard.

Inside Gerhard’s car, police found clothing and a toy from the store that he was carrying when he fled.