New Sketch: 'Person of Interest' in 2 Suspicious Incidents Near Peninsula Schools

SAN CARLOS, CA — San Mateo County Sheriff's officials released a composite sketch this week of a man who is a "person of interest" in two suspicious circumstances on or near local schools.

The sheriff's office first warned of a "possibly suspicious" elderly man late last month, after someone approached a 14-year-old boy while he was walking in front of Central Middle School, and asked him if he wanted a ride.

"The juvenile declined a ride, but the driver was persistent with the juvenile, and repeatedly kept asking him," sheriff's Det. Salvador Zuno said in a news release. "The juvenile told the driver he would call 911 if he didn't leave him alone, to which the driver then fled the scene."

The boy spoke with his mother who called the sheriff's office to report the incident.

Sheriff's officials said the man was white, about 70 years old with gray and white medium length hair. He was driving a newer model, silver sedan.

Since then, police have learned about another case involving a man matching a similar description, according to Zuno. That incident happened on Sept. 20 when an elderly man was seen loitering on White Oak Elementary school's campus.

"School staff attempted to contact this male subject, but he kept walking away and ignoring them, and
eventually exited the school campus without being contacted," he said.

On Thursday, the sheriff's office released a sketch of the possible subject, in the hopes that someone may recognize him.

"It is unknown whether the subject in these cases is the same person. At this time the unidentified male is only a person of interest and not a suspect," Zuno said. "We are working on identifying him and are asking for the public and the schools to report any sightings or similar suspicious activity."

"The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind parents to use these scenarios as teaching moments and talk to their children about how they should respond," he added.

Image: San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.