Child Annoyance At Rancho Santa Margarita Middle School

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Residents of Rancho Santa Margarita reported a child annoyance near Rancho Santa Margarita middle school on Wednesday. According to school principal Brian Ferguson, the annoyance involved a man who drove up to a female student and acted inappropriately. Orange County Sheriff's Department was contacted.

"On Wednesday, April 18, at approximately 3:30 p.m. near Cielo Vista Park in Rancho Santa Margarita, a male suspect called an underage female victim to his car. When the victim approached the vehicle, the suspect exposed his genitals to the victim while seated in his vehicle," Orange County Sheriff's Department Information Officer Carrie Braun said.

The victim walked away unharmed and immediately reported the incident.

"The suspect was described as a male, either Caucasian or Hispanic, late 20's to early 30's, medium build, 5'10" - 6'0" with a dark long, curly beard wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses. The vehicle is described as a dark sedan with tinted windows, after market rims, and a customized black and yellow license plate. If you can identify the suspect or the vehicle, please contact OCSD Special Victims Unit – Inv. Mike Laros at (714)225-1964," Braun said.

In a letter from the Principal, the annoyance was described to families.

Good evening Roadrunner Families,
This is Principal Ferguson with some very important information, as well as some important reminders. This afternoon, following our dismissal, a male individual drove up, approaching one of our female students, and interacted in an inappropriate manner. This was reported to our office, and school administration began working with the OC Sheriff's Department immediately to begin an investigation, which is currently underway.
The following details have been released by law enforcement:
The vehicle was a dark sedan with tinted windows, after market rims, and a customized black and yellow license plate.
The subject is described as a light skinned male, Hispanic or white, with a medium build, and a black beard.
The subject was also wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.
A picture of the car, taken adjacent to our campus, is below:
Student safety and security is always a top priority for RSM Intermediate, and we are working with law enforcement to ensure that our students and staff are safe. There will be extra patrol units around our school as a precautionary measure.
I'd like to commend the student who responded appropriately to this incident by immediately informing school administration which allowed us to immediately begin an investigation with law enforcement. I'd also like to take this time to remind us all about important safety precautions that all students should adhere to as they make their way to, and from, school to help ensure their safety:
We encourage students to walk with a buddy or in a small group
We encourage students to be in communication with their parents about their whereabouts before and after school
When approached by a stranger, we encourage that you do not dialogue or carry on any conversation with a stranger
If approached, return to the school immediately to inform Administration
Again, this incident remains under investigation as we continue our work with local law enforcement. Safety and security are a top priority for RSM Intermediate and we will continue to be vigilant in keeping our students safe.
Thank you.
Principal Ferguson

Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services Photo