Sketch released of man stalking WCI student

Walnut Creek police Wednesday released a sketch of a man who was stalking a female Walnut Creek Intermediate student near home and near school last week. 

The man's attempts to offer the girl a ride and then showing up the next day near the school have prompted police to set up regular patrols around the downtown campus and WCI and Las Lomas High officials to urge parents to remind their children to stay away from strangers and report any unwanted attention.

Police described the man as a white male in his 60s, about 6 feet tall, with a medium build, short gray hair, high cheek bones, tanned skin and a possible accent.

Last Wednesday, March 14, at about 3:30 p.m. he was in a faded red, older model compact sedan with a blue disabled placard hanging from the rear view mirror. Police say he pulled up alongside  the student, 13, as she was getting off a County Connection bus near Tice Valley Boulevard and Crest Avenue in unincorporated Walnut Creek.

The man called to her, asked how far she had to walk and offered a ride, police said.  He asked where she went to school, and she told him. After he asked where she lived, she ran home. He drove off.

The girl's parents called the Contra Costa County Sheriff's, who alerted WCI officials. The girl's parents also informed Walnut Creek police, who in turn notified bus drivers and gave them the description of the man and his car.

On Thursday, March 15, the girl was walking to Civic Drive on the path behind the school, just as school was letting out.  She and a friend said they saw the man waiting at the back gate. He waved to the girl. She ran back to school and called her parents.

Walnut Creek police immediately responded and search the area but were unable to find the man. Walnut Creek detectives and patrol officers and Contra Costa Sheriff's deputies continue to work on the case. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844.