TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Pima County Sheriff's deputies are warning the public about a suspicious man seen near DeGrazia Elementary School March 1 and March 6.
The man allegedly followed a student home, and was seen walking and driving in a neighborhood near the school several times.
The man is believed to be in his 50s or 60s and medium to thin build, between 5-7 and 6 feet. He has gray hair with a goatee and drives a midsize single-cab pickup truck.
Those with information should call 911 or 88-CRIME.
DeGrazia Elementary staff sent this message to families:
DeGrazia families,
We are communicating with families about two incidents that recently occurred related to student safety. Student and staff safety is our top priority, and sharing information with families is a critical aspect to help keep our school and the surrounding community safe.
Last week, a student reported that a suspicious male adult was close to our school near the perimeter fencing around dismissal. While the student was walking home, this individual made the student feel uncomfortable, though the suspect did not engage the student. The student reported the information to school administration, and per District protocol, we notified law enforcement. Pima County Sheriff’s Department opened an investigation and the DeGrazia School Resource Officer patrolled the surrounding neighborhood.
Yesterday, a group of students had a similar experience, though the incident occurred at a different location from the first report. Regardless, the students were uncomfortable and school administration reported the information to law enforcement. Today, Pima County Sheriff’s Department deployed several officers to patrol nearby neighborhoods during school dismissal time. Deputies will continue to patrol the area for suspicious activity.
As always, we are committed to our students, staff, and our community at large and respectfully request you continue to assist us. Often our parents and community members can be our best eyes and ears in the protection of our students and our neighborhood.
During conversations with your child, please continue to emphasize the importance of having them be aware of their surroundings, being watchful of each other, walking together in groups, and reporting any concerns to an adult or authority. Additionally, although it’s identified as stranger danger, it’s really about teaching your children about stranger safety, because most strangers are not dangerous. However, because we don’t know them, it’s hard to tell the difference between a good and a dangerous stranger. Therefore, students are encouraged to ask themselves “Is this dangerous? Is this scary? Is someone hurt or could they get hurt?” If they answer yes to ANY of the questions, then they know they should go to a trusted adult immediately.
We thank you for your support and for talking with your students about stranger safety.
- DeGrazia Elementary Administration
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Phil Villarreal is the senior real-time editor for KGUN 9. He is also a digital producer and host of "Phil on Film" seen weekly on Good Morning Tucson, Phil moved to KGUN after 17 years with the Arizona Daily Star. He is married and has four children. Share your story ideas and important issues with Phil by emailing phil.villarreal@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
