On March 7, an 8th grade male student from Turlock Jr. High School was walking down Monte Vista Avenue when he was approached by an older man who motioned the boy to come to his vehicle.
The man was described as being an Assyrian male, 20-30 years of age, and wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket. According to Jody Knox, mother of the boy who was approached, her son continued to say ‘no’ to the stranger as he consistently approached him.
“My son told him no 5 times,” said Knox. “The man then parked his car and got out following my son down the road. My son picked up a rock and the man turned around and walked away.”
Knox said that she had made a report to both Turlock Jr. High as well as the Turlock Police Department regarding the incident.
“The call was broadcasted to all units on duty,” said Turlock Police Department spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis. “The primary officer conducted an area search of the individual in question and contacted the victim and a witness.”
Knox said that a 7th grade boy had witnessed the incident and, being scared, took out a pencil from his backpack to use as a weapon if necessary for self-defense. The man, however, left the scene and the boys were unharmed.
“Incidents like this are taken very seriously and the safety of the students is always a primary concern to the Turlock Police Department,” said Officer Lewis. “Officers are encouraged to conduct extra patrol before and after school. Officers are also encouraged to enforce traffic violations and to be alert for any suspicious vehicles or individuals in the area to ensure the safety of the students.”
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
