A local man is facing charges after he allegedly walked up to a 15-year-old girl in downtown Albert Lea, attempted to make sexual advances toward her and then followed her by foot for at least three blocks.

Paul Arthur Berg, 60, of Albert Lea was charged Friday in Freeborn County District Court with one count of soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct and one count of fifth-degree assault. The alleged incident took place Thursday.

According to court documents, the girl was standing outside Youth for Christ’s The Rock when Berg allegedly approached her, asking to have sex. The girl declined, but Berg asked again and put his arms around her.

She broke free, court records state, and then began to walk quickly down Broadway Avenue. Berg followed her at least three blocks.

Court documents state the girl reportedly called her father, who arrived and chased the man down Broadway toward Sterling Drug. She also called 911.

When officers arrived, the girl’s father had reportedly chased Berg back up Broadway Avenue and had him pinned down to the floor in Sterling Drug.

Albert Lea Police Lt. J.D. Carlson said Berg is a registered predatory offender.

The Rock is Christian-oriented safe place for students to hang out after school.