Student approached by unknown male in a vehicle

Menlo Park, Calif. — Yesterday afternoon February 5, 2024, at about 3:50 p.m., a 15 year-old, Menlo Atherton High School student reported that she was walking home on Santa Cruz Ave. at Orange Ave. when an older black vehicle driven by a Hispanic male in his 30’s pulled up next to her and asked her if she needed a ride. She declined, and the suspect reached from the driver’s side of the vehicle across the empty passenger seat towards her. The suspect never made physical contact with the juvenile. She immediately pulled out her cell phone to call her dad. The suspect drove off northbound on Santa Cruz Avenue. Menlo Park Police continue to investigate this case, and will be conducting high profile patrols during commute hours before and after school.

At this time, there is no more descriptive information available to identify the vehicle or suspect. We are asking for our community’s assistance.

Menlo Park Police Department asks anyone with information regarding this incident and/or who witnessed this incident to call the police department at (650) 330-6300 or the Anonymous Tip Hotline at (650) 330-6395.

The police department encourages parents to remind their children of the importance of being aware of their surroundings and to contact the police or adult whenever they observe or experience something they believe to be out of the ordinary. Parents and/or guardians should notify the police as soon as possible. More safety tips are available on the Menlo Park Police website.

Visit us on the web at menlopark.gov/police.