Police Urge Vigilance After Man Follows Teenage Girl

By Lookout Staff

September 8 -- With school in session, police are asking parents, students and neighbors to be “extra vigilant” after a teenage girl was followed in Sunset Park Wednesday afternoon by a man in a jeep.

The 14-year old girl was walking her dog in the area of 21st and Hill Street at 4:50 p.m. when she noticed a motorist signaling to her.

The man made “repeated turning maneuvers in an apparent effort to follow her,” said Lt. Frank Fabrega, the police department spokesman. “The girl ran and hid from the subject until he drove away.”

The suspect in the “child annoying” incident headed northbound on 21st Street from Ocean Park Boulevard.

The suspect is described as a male, Hispanic with a dark complexion, approximately 30 years of age with brown hair, a goatee and mustache, police said. He has a muscular build and was wearing wire-rimmed mirrored sunglasses.

The vehicle he was driving is described as a 90’s model black 4-door Jeep Cherokee with dark window tint, police said.

Police are asking residents to be on the lookout for the suspect, as well as any other person acting suspiciously around females.

“Attempt to safely note the license plate and a description of the suspect’s vehicle, as well as his physical description,,” Fabrega said.

Witnesses should immediately call the Santa Monica Police at 310.458.8491, or dial 9-1-1, Fabrega said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should call Detective Lloyd Gladden at the Santa Monica Police Department’s Youth Services Division at 310 458-8931, or the Watch Commander at 310 458-8426.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may also call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463). Callers with Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.