The Bakersfield Police Department is trying to identify a man for questioning after he approached several young girls in the area of Noriega and Old Farm Rd.
"You don't expect anything like that to really happen over here," said Caitlyn Nickerson who was walking in the area.
The girls who were approached describe the man as a black male, mid 20's to early 30's, 5'5" to 5'8" tall, with a medium to heavy build, wearing red athletic shorts and a white t-shirt.
In the surveillance video you can see the man pull in across the street, park, and then cross the street to meet the young girl at the corner. The young girl talks to the man for about 40 seconds before walking away.
In a second instance, you can see the man on a white long board skateboard and ride next to a young girl, turn around, and then a few seconds later -- circle back to follow the girl.
There are multiple schools in the area, Freedom Middle School is just down the street. The Rosedale Union School District said all of the schools are sending home information alerting parents about the incident. The district also said all of the crossing guards and staff in the area have been told to keep an eye out for the man.
"It's shocking, scary at the same time because we all have kids that run around to various schools and after school these streets are filled with kids," said Robert Quezada who lives in the neighborhood.
BPD said it's important for parents to talk to their children about not talking to strangers and make sure they walk in a group. Quezada, who has children who are 9 years old a 13 years old, said he was going to talk to his children Tuesday night.
"Now it's time to go home and reinvent everything like 'Hey just to make sure you guys know, this, this and this and to kind of pound in your kid's head do not talk to strangers, if someone tries to approach you make sure you notify an adult, school or a parent or somebody.'"
Police said the man was seen driving a light colored, possibly white, tan or silver, 1990's to 2000's 4-door vehicle. The man was also seen riding a white long board skateboard.
BPD said right now they don't believe that any children in the area are in immediate danger.
"Obviously, these things can escalate, but to this point it's been more of just verbal, unwanted attention given to these victims," said Sgt. Carruesco.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department at 327-7111
