Stranger Danger - Elk Grove Police Issue Warning on Man Approaching Teenagers

October 29, 2013 |

The Elk Grove Police Department has issued a warning to the community about a suspicious man who has tried to lure teenagers to his vehicle on four occasions.

On Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 2:30 p.m., a 13-year-old boy was walking in the area of Darley Way and Toscano Drive when a vehicle pulled up next to him. The male driver attempted to engage the boy in conversation but the boy did not respond and the vehicle drove away. 

On Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., a 13-year-old female was walking in the area of Whitelock Parkway and Schuler Ranch Road when a vehicle pulled up next to her and the male driver attempted to engage the girl in conversation.  The girl continued walking as the vehicle pulled ahead of her into a parking lot. The girl turned around and ran away to safety.

On Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 3:30 p.m., a 14-year-old girl was walking in the area of Franklin High Road and Stathos Drive when a vehicle drove past her, made a U-turn, then drove next to her in the opposite lanes of traffic.  The male driver attempted to engage the girl in conversation but the girl did not respond and ran away to safety.

On Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 12:01 p.m., a 15-year-old boy was riding his bicycle in the area of Backer Ranch Road and Elk Grove Boulevard when a vehicle pulled up next to him.  The male driver engaged the boy in conversation.  The boy initially thought he recognized the driver of the vehicle as a family friend but then realized he did not know the individual, he rode away on his bicycle and reported the incident to law enforcement.  

The suspect in all four of these child annoyance cases was described as an African-American male adult in his 30’s to 40's.  He was described as having short hair and as being heavy set. The vehicles involved were described as a cooper or yellow compact 4-door vehicle and a full-sized silver van.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Detective Bureau at (916) 478-8060 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Tips can also be sent via SMS text message by entering CRIMES (274637) on a cell phone, followed by Tip732 (agency identification number) and the message.