SPRING VALLEY, Calif. (KGTV) — Crime Stoppers have released a sketch to the public in hopes of getting the name of a man accused of approaching two young girls walking to and from school in San Diego's Spring Valley neighborhood.
According to San Diego County Crime Stoppers, the first incident happened on Tuesday, February 28 just before 9:00 a.m. in the 9600 block of Campo Road.
Detectives say a 13-year-old girl was crossing a parking lot on her way to Spring Valley Academy when a man driving a black Toyota Prius asked if she needed a ride.
The teenage girl told officers she turned down the ride and the man began to demand her to get into his car. The victim then says she ran across the street to avoid him and made it to school safely before reporting the incident to staff members. It was later reported to the Rancho SD Sheriff's Station on Friday, March 4.
RELATED: Sketches released of men suspected in Spring Valley child luring attempt
The second incident happened on Friday, March 11 around 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of Conrad Drive and Campo Road, near Spring Valley Middle School.
Detectives say a 13-year-old girl was crossing the street when a man came up from behind, grabbed and inappropriately touched her. The man walked away from the area as other students yelled at him.
Deputies searched the area after the incident was reported, but were unable to find the suspect.
Both students said the stranger was a white man between 29 and 30-years-old with short, curly red hair and crooked teeth. He was wearing reading glasses and had a clean-shaven face.
Detective Bryan Keshka said the department is following up on all leads and taking extra safety precautions.
"We do have deputies out conducting extra patrols of the schools during the start times and release times to make sure any suspects matching aren't around," Keshka said.
Authorities say the Toyota Prius the man was driving is described as a newer model car with no distinctive markings or stickers. One of the young students said she saw seven, B, and one on the car's license plate. The digits are believed to be in that order, but it is unknown where on the license plate the numbers are.
La Mesa-Spring Valley Superintendent David Feliciano said the district sent an email to parents and posted warnings on social media regarding the first incident.
The district will post a link to the sheriff's department's latest press release with another warning to families Wednesday.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200.
