Local police warn parents

Police issued a warning Monday that a man driving a blue pickup truck

approached Newport Beach school children on two occasions last week

and offered them bubble gum.

According to information given to police, the suspect is possibly

30 to 40 years old, 6 feet tall, and has a medium build and dark

hair.

A 10-year-old boy was approached by a vehicle at 4 p.m. Saturday,

two blocks from Anderson Elementary School in Newport Beach, police

said. The child ran from the suspect and notified his parents.

Two 10-year-old girls, both Anderson students, were approached as

they were leaving school grounds at 6:40 p.m. on Sept. 13, police

said. The students immediately ran away and told their parents, who

telephoned the Newport Beach Police Department.

“The reports are similar in nature,” said Newport Beach Police

Sgt. Bill Hartford.

The suspect did not attempt to pursue or touch the students in

either incident. In both cases, a police helicopter and patrol

officers responded and did not locate the suspect or his vehicle.

Detectives have been in contact with school officials, and a

parental advisory flier has been distributed in the area of Anderson

Elementary School. Hartford said police have increased their presence

in the vicinity of the school.

Parents are advised to make sure their children are aware of the

appropriate actions to take should they be confronted by a stranger.

The driver’s truck is reported to have damage to the left front

fender. One child who reported the incident said weathered graffiti

adorned the vehicle.

If you have any information regarding the above incidents, please

contact Sgt. Bill Hartford at (949) 644-3662 or Det. Sgt. Mark

Hamilton at (949) 644-3775.