On July 21, 2008, at 4:20 PM, the Rocklin Police Department responded to Johnson-Springview Park, 5480 5Th St., in response to a man that had attempted to grab a young girl.
Responding officers identified a 10-year-old who said that a man tapped her on the shoulder, said that he knew her parents and that she should come with him. The girl stepped away from the man and as she did so he attempted to grab her. The girl ran to her grandmother who was nearby and together they hurried into the library at the park and summoned police.
Officers conducted an immediate search of the area but did not locate the male subject.
Rocklin Police CSI Sara Boccoleri met with the girl the next day and created a composite sketch of the suspect who is described as a black male in his late teens, thin, with spiked hair or dreadlocks, and wearing all black clothing.
The Rocklin Police Department is reminding parents of young children to practice avoiding and getting out of dangerous situations by using easy “what if” scenarios with their children to make sure they have the tools needed to avoid dangerous situations. Outings at the mall or park are opportunities to reinforce these skills so that children will know what to do if lost or in danger. Doing this on a regular basis is a way to make sure it becomes second nature.
