Child Annoyance Suspect Sought In Ladera Ranch: OCSD

LADERA RANCH, CA — A Ladera Ranch Elementary School fifth grader walking to school Wednesday was grabbed from behind by a man he did not know, according to Orange County Sheriffs Department.

Classified as "child annoyance," that event led Orange County Sheriff's Department helicopters to scour Ladera Ranch neighborhoods for a potential suspect.

"On Wednesday, January 18, a 10-year-old boy was grabbed by a male suspect just before 9 a.m.," OCSD Lt. Mark Stichter said. "The child resisted the suspect by kicking and screaming and was able to get away."

The victim ran home and reported the incident to his mother, and both mother and son then reported it to deputies, he said.

Now, Orange County Sheriff’s investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying a child annoyance suspect.

The child described the suspect as a man with dark complexion, possibly African American, thin build and tattoos on his hands, Stichter said. The suspect was wearing a dark-colored jacket, pants and boots.

"Investigators are seeking any possible witnesses, surveillance video or additional victims," he said. "There is no suspect vehicle description."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Orange County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Hernandez at 949-206-6194 or the department commander at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-855-TIP-OCCS (1-855-847-6227).