The San Diego County sheriff's department is asking the public to help identify two suspects believed to lure children in Spring Valley.
Authorities released sketches of two men on Thursday in what detectives say the men were involved in at least one of the two reported incidents that took place between Feb 17 and Feb 28.
In the first incident, a 17-year-old girl was outside of the 7-Eleven in the 10000 block of Campo Road when she was approached by a Black man wearing a black ski mask and a black T-shirt.
The man had been sitting alone in a black dodge challenger when he asked the teen if she wanted a ride, according to authorities. Upon declining his offer, the man reportedly “threatened to put her in the car”, which prompted her to flee the area.
Authorities say she is now home and safe with her family.
The second incident occurred on Feb 28 near Kempton Street Elementary School on the 700 block of Kempton Street. According to authorities, a 10-year-old girl claimed she was followed by a black four-door sedan with dark rims.
The victim described a Black man, aged between 30-40 years old who was driving with a passenger, described as a light-skinned man in the same age range as the driver.
Detectives said the child luring attempts “appear to be unrelated,” but authorities continue to investigate.
Those with information were to contact the department’s non-emergency line at 858-565-5200 or submit tips anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Crime Stoppers also is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
