South Bay Man Suspected Of Sex Crimes Arrested In Mountain View

SOUTH BAY, CA -- Mountain View detectives are asking the public for their help in identifying any more victims of a man arrested Sunday on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a youth, police said.

Redwood City resident Brandon Yamagata, 31, was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure, annoying or molesting a child, giving a drug to a minor, unlawful sex with a minor, child endangerment, possessing drug
paraphernalia and being under the influence of a drug.

Officers responded at about 12:30 p.m. on April 2 to the Orchard Supply Hardware store in the 2500 block of Charleston Road because someone called to say a person was exposing himself to others.

One woman said she was sitting in her car when Yamagata parked next to her, walked over and mumbled something, then exposed himself. She yelled for help and Yamagata fled in his vehicle, according to police.

While they were taking that woman's statement, police received another report involving a suspect matching Yamagata's description.

That victim said Yamagata had tried to get her to give him a ride as she was leaving REI, but she called for help. When Yamagata fled, several people ran after him. A sergeant in the area saw the crowd chasing him and pulled over to detain Yamagata.

In Yamagata's vehicle officers allegedly found a methamphetamine pipe and an identification card belonging to a minor who Yamagata allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with.

Investigators believe that Yamagata may have victimized others in the area. They're asking anyone with additional information to call Detective Marco Garcia at (650) 903-6356.

By Bay City News/Image via Mountain View police