Strange Man Seen Blowing Kisses near School NR13145pv-rf

Los Angeles:  Detectives have released a community alert and composite sketch of a man seen blowing kisses to school children as he sat in his truck near an elementary school in North Hills.  Witnesses also thought they recognized the man from a prior incident when he committed a lewd act while sitting in his truck near the same school.

“This is not some benign, friendly gesture,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detectives for the Mission Area Police Station.  “This man’s been seen here more than once, and his behavior is troublesome and illegal.”

Police are asking the public to look at the composite sketch of a 25- to 30-year-old Hispanic man with thick hair.  The alert includes a picture of a Ford F-150 truck, which is similar to the one the suspect has been seen driving.  His truck is black with a model year between 1995 and 2000.

The last incident happened at Plummer Elementary School on March 12 around 2 p.m.  The school is located at 9340 Noble Avenue.

“We encourage crossing guards and school monitors to take down the license plates of suspicious vehicles loitering around schools,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “All our officers are aware of this suspect and they are on the lookout for the black truck.”

Police officers are still visiting elementary schools at random times each day as part of Operation Embrace.  Officers hope the knowledge of those daily visits might deter some of these types of behaviors.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call LAPD Mission Area detectives, at 818-838-9967. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.