LAMONT, Calif. (KERO) — The Kern County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man suspected of sexually assaulting a minor in Lamont.
Authorities say the incident occurred on December 8, 2024, near the intersection of Buena Vista Boulevard and Weedpatch Highway. A girl, whose age has not been released, was walking home from her bus stop when she was approached by an unknown man.
The suspect is described as a white man with tattoos covering both arms. He was driving a white four-door work truck equipped with a utility rack and tool drawers.
According to KCSO, the suspect asked the victim if she needed a ride, then followed her and sexually assaulted her.
Lamont resident Maria Correa said she's frustrated the community is only now learning about the incident, which happened 58 days ago.
"They need to let us know about this stuff sooner so we can be alert and let our kids, grandchildren know what's happening," Correa said.
Correa said she would like to see increased police presence in the area to protect children.
"I would like for there to be more police officers in there area, so kids can be protected," she said. "Sometimes they're walking alone they don't have a friend with them and it is dangerous."
The suspect is described as an adult white male with both arms covered in tattoos. He was driving a white four-door service truck equipped with a utility rack and tool drawers.
Avelina Rivera said she was shaken after hearing about the incident, especially knowing the suspect remains at large.
"I'm scared because if they already did this maybe they can do it again and that's my biggest fear," Rivera said.
Rivera said she's also upset about the delayed notification.
"It bothers me… It really bothers me that we're barely finding out about what happened," she said. "As a woman it really makes me mad and if I see that car I'm going to call right away."
KCSO did not respond to requests for comment about the timing of the public notification.
Anyone with information is asked to call KCSO at 661-861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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