Visalia police are investigating reports that a driver followed students near Redwood High School, including one case in which a man allegedly demanded that a girl get into his vehicle.

Police said officers responded about 8:15 a.m. Thursday to a report of suspicious activity near Oak Avenue and Park Street.

According to the Visalia Police Department, a student walking in the area was approached by an adult man driving a vehicle. The driver allegedly tried to start a conversation and asked for the student’s name. Police said the student changed direction twice while trying to walk away, but the driver turned the vehicle around and continued following the student before eventually leaving the area.

During the investigation, officers determined the vehicle matched the description from an earlier incident involving another female juvenile in the same area. In that case, the victim reported the suspect followed her and repeatedly demanded that she get into his vehicle, police said.

Both victims described the suspect as a dark-complected Hispanic man in his 20s. One victim said the man had a scruffy beard, while the other described him as clean-shaven. The suspect was also reported to be wearing either sunglasses or reading glasses.

Police described the suspect vehicle as a gray or silver Toyota Corolla.

Police also encouraged parents to remind students to stay alert, avoid contact with strangers and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or school staff immediately.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 734-8116. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling (559) 713-4738.

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