Police are searching for a man who has repeatedly approached teenage girls in Berkeley demanding a hug.
A girl was walking on McGee Ave. near Channing Way on Monday when a man approached her saying he needed help finding his daughter. He asked to walk with her to Berkeley High School, but when the girl refused, he told her not to be worried, claiming he was a cop.
The man cornered the girl and told her he wanted to give her a hug, threatening that he had a knife, Berkeley police reported.
The suspect was described as a white male, about 5'5" tall, with facial hair, wearing a black beanie, black gaiter mask, black hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants. He is assumed to be driving a red Ford Mustang Fastback with a rear spoiler and dark tinted windows, officials stated.
Police believe the man is also responsible for a similar incident reported on Sep. 29.
A girl was walking along the 1300 block of Gilman St. when a man began following her. He told the girl he was a police officer and that he had a gun, demanding that the girl give him a hug, police said. When she refused, the man stepped in front of the girl, blocking her path.
Residents living in the area are asked to review home security footage that may have recorded the man on Dec. 6 between 9:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Anyone with information should call 510-981-5735.
Related
