Full Notification

Late afternoon of February 16^th, officers arrested a 61-year-old Richmond man in connection to several previous incidents at an elementary school where a man was reported in the area engaged in suspicious or inappropriate behavior.
 
On February 16^th at 3:55 pm, Bike Force officers responded to Sylvia Mendez Elementary School (2840 Ellsworth Street) on a report of a vehicle that was circling the school.  According to school officials, this same vehicle had circled the school on at least 10 prior occasions.
 
As officers were responding to the area, the School Resource Officer (for Berkeley High School) contacted the bicycle officers and informed them that he was aware of the same vehicle—as it was also reported as the vehicle of a man seen possibly masturbating outside of Sylvia Mendez Elementary school in January.
 
When officers arrived, they found the vehicle parked on the north side of the school (Oregon Street) and detained the driver.  Inside the vehicle, officers found several items of concern—including a hunting-style knife, gloves, duct tape, and a bundle of zip ties.
 
After speaking with several school personnel, officers arrested the suspect on suspicion of ten counts of PC 647.6 (a)(1)—annoying/molesting a victim under 18 years old and one count of PC 647(a)—engaging in lewd conduct.
 
If you have additional information about this case, please contact the Youth Services Unit at (510) 981-5715.
 
Case 2022-00007588