Girl, 16, Reports Frightening Encounter; Santa Cruz PD Releases Suspect Sketch

Santa Cruz police released a sketch Wednesday of a man they say made repeated attempts to stop a 16-year-old girl as she walked home from school last week.

The girl was walking in the 700 block of California Street around 3:15 p.m. on April 23 when the suspect called out to her from a vehicle, according to police. The suspect originally asked the girl for directions, but then continued to follow her in the vehicle, and asked her for her name and number. The girl ignored him and kept walking away, but the suspect continued to follow her and made a third attempt to lure her closer to the car.

The girl was able to walk away from the area uninjured, and arrived home safely. Police were notified of the incident around five hours after it occurred.

The suspect is described as an Asian or light-skinned black male between 23 and 25 years old, weighing 130 to 135 pounds, with black medium length shaggy hair, brown eyes and no facial hair. He was wearing a gray sweatshirt and khaki pants.

The vehicle was described as a black newer model two-door with tinted windows, black wheels and rims, and silver lining around the windows.

Police said they are working with Santa Cruz City School District officials to remind students how to handle these types of situations and to urge them to inform a school official, parent or police officer when incidents like this occur. In addition, police are providing additional patrols in the area.

--Bay City News

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