Full Notification

UPDATE: Man Approaching Children Near Schools

Sylmar.  Following the release of information, yesterday, regarding a man seen approaching girls between the ages of 12 and 16 years old in Sylmar, detectives have received three additional reports from victims. 

“The good news is, all of these new cases occurred prior to our confrontation with the prime suspect,” explained Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “In fact, one victim told us that she remembered the suspect around the school everyday since early May, but she noticed his absence since last week.”

Detectives interviewed the prime suspect, a 20-year-old man, on May 21, 2013.  No reported cases have occurred since that meeting with police.  Detectives got a lead on the possible suspect from a picture one victim took of a black Toyota, following an incident.

Detectives are still building a criminal case to get an arrest warrant.  Officers have given extra patrols around Sylmar High School and Olive Vista Middle School, where all the incidents have occurred.

None of the girls approached have been injured or touched by the suspect.  In each case, the suspect circles the block looking for victims, then calls out to them from the car or approaches them on the sidewalk.  In one case, he ordered a girl to get into his car.  He has called out to several of the victims to encourage them to his car.

As the alleged crimes are misdemeanors, police cannot make an arrest without an arrest warrant, which represents a guarantee by the city attorney to prosecute the suspect.  “It’s our top priority to get that warrant, but in the meantime, students and parents should stay aware, and I hope we’ve scared the suspect straight for the time being.”

The suspect drives a black 1995 Toyota Camry with a license plate that ends in 880.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Stephen Bell, Mission Sex Unit, at (818) 838-9971.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

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