PORTLAND – Police have released a sketch of a man who was spotted exposing himself near a Southeast Portland school last week.
Authorities are hoping the sketch will help them identify and track down a suspect. Meantime, police and school officials have been warning people to beware of the lurking sex offender.
“A subject was observed openly masturbating in his vehicle parked near Southeast 26th Avenue and Grant Street in view of the public. Four female students from Hosford Middle School walked past his vehicle on their way to school and he soon started his car, followed them for about a block and pulled over next to them as if to make contact with them while still masturbating,” said Lt. Kelli Sheffer with the Portland Police Bureau.
Then, just a few minutes later, Sheffer said the suspect contacted a different female student in the same area, telling her he liked her shirt.
At one point, the man got out of the car and walked after a student, police said.
The suspect was described as a Hispanic man in his 20's to late 30's, about 5'2 and 150 pounds, with very short dark hair, wearing a light-colored shirt and dark pants or jeans. Police said his head was almost shaved and he had a mustache and a goatee.
His vehicle was described as an older model, white 4-door smaller car, possibly a Pontiac, with a dent on one of the front fenders, possibly black wheels and black bumpers, with black scratches on the rear passenger side fender.
Anyone with information about the suspect was urged to call 9-1-1.
A letter was sent home to parents. It read in part:
This morning, five of our female students and a staff member (three separate sightings) saw a man driving a white sedan lurking around school grounds on SE 26th Ave, SE Grant St. and SE 28th Pl. All describe him as being in his early 20’s to 40’s, dark skinned, possibly Hispanic. The first set of students describe him being sexually inappropriate as they walked by his car which was parked on 26th Ave. As they hurried past, he started his car and pulled along side them making inaudible remarks. Thankfully, they were able to run away and immediately report the incident to the school.
More: Read entire letter
We immediately called the police and stepped up the adult presence around the school. A staff member reported seeing the same vehicle on 28th Pl. and Grant St. Once police arrived another female student came forward to describe seeing the same man in his vehicle trying to get her attention with inaudible remarks. Portland Police are currently investigating the incident and planning to have a presence before and after school.
Parents and students may also want to take this time to review their safety plan, including these reminders for students:
-Always try to walk with others.
-Walk away from a stranger no matter what the stranger says to you.
-If someone keeps following you, SCREAM LOUDLY AND RUN AWAY.
-Try to get the license plate number if possible.
If you see people around you participating in any activity that seems dangerous, suspicious or simply out of the ordinary, please do not hesitate to call 911 and contact the school office.
