The Gilroy Police Department responded to reports of a suspicious circumstance at 2:14 p.m. Dec. 30 on the 9300 block of Monterey Road.
Police describe the suspect as an adult Hispanic male between the ages of 50 and 60 with short black hair and a long mustache. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket and tan pants.
The suspect, who was driving a 2000 forest green Chevy Astro minivan or similar make, slowed his vehicle and drove alongside the victim, an 11-year-old female who lives in Gilroy, while she was walking on the sidewalk, according to a GPD press release. Police say the suspect motioned the young girl over to his van and offered her a ride.
The victim did not approach the van and continued walking on the sidewalk. A witness in the area observed the incident and drove towards the suspicious vehicle. Police say the suspect immediately left the area after he realized the witness was watching him. The suspicious van was last seen driving north from the 9300 block of Monterey Road.
The press report notes that a similar incident in January 2012 on the 8700 block of Hirasaki Court was reported to the GPD. The suspect and vehicle description from that incident are similar to those observed in the Dec. 30 incident, police say.
The public is reminded to report any suspicious vehicles and/or persons to the Gilroy Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Gilroy Police Department at (408) 846-0350. Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-CRIME).
