Santa Cruz High School warns students about recent luring incidents

In less that a month, there have been two instances involving strangers trying to lure or follow Santa Cruz High School students.

On April 23, a 16-year-old girl was walking along California Avenue when a man approached her. At first he asked for directions, and then escalated to asking for her phone number and asked her to get into his car. She was able to walk away safely.

That man was described as an Asian or light-skinned African American man, between 25 and 30 years of age. The victim says he stood about 5’5″ and weighed roughly 130 pounds. His vehicle was described as a black, newer model two-door car with tinted windows.

On Tuesday, another student reported being followed to school by someone in a gold Toyota Camry. That driver was described as a Hispanic person with slicked-back blonde hair. The driver’s gender is unknown. While police say these two cases are not connected, they are still on the lookout.

“With these incidents, we work closely with the school district,” Lt. Bernie Escalante with the Santa Cruz Police Department said.

“Specifically in this case, Santa Cruz High. They even sent out information to the parents reminding kids the steps to take.”

Katie Esche read that email. It explained the most recent incident along with reminders of the actions that kids should take if they’re ever been approached. While she drives her children to school, this mother of four doesn’t take issues like this lightly.

“To always be with somebody and never walk alone and know what to do if a stranger is following them,” Esche said. “They all have cellphones so they know to call 911 immediately. Never talk to strangers.
Not even to give directions because you just don’t know, you can’t be too careless.”

Anne, a freshman at Santa Cruz High says her parents have instilled those same messages. She says if she’s ever approached by someone, she may use techniques she’s learned in P.E.

“I’ve always kept in mind, if I ever need to use it, the self-defense I’ve learned in school,” Anne said.

In both cases, neither victim was hurt. If you know anything, you’re being urged to call Santa Cruz police.