Man Stops Schoolgirl, Tries Coaxing Her To Car Before Kissing Her

PERRIS, CA — A 12-year-old Perris girl told authorities Monday she was stopped by a man who offered her a ride to school, then got out of his car and kissed her before driving away, prompting the sheriff's department to request the public's help in identifying him.

The child, whose name was withheld, was accosted by the motorist about 8 a.m. near the intersection of Hazel Way and Walnut Street, as she walked toward Lakeside Middle School, according to Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Dominic Schreiber.

The suspect pulled his white sedan to the curb and told the child he would give her a ride, the sergeant said. She declined, and the man "got out of his vehicle and asked for her phone number. The male then shook the victim's hand and kissed her on the forehead," Schreiber said.

The man then drove off, and the girl told school officials what had transpired, he said.

Deputies were summoned to the location but could not find the suspect or his car.

He was described as Hispanic, 20-30 years old, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, with an average build, dark eyes and hair combed over. He was wearing a black-and-white sleeveless shirt, Schreiber said.

Anyone with information was asked to call the sheriff's Perris station at (951) 210-1000.

— By City News Service / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone