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Friday morning, at approximately 8:20 a.m., two middle school students were walking on Telegraph Avenue near Stuart Street. As the students were walking a van pulled up next to them with the window rolled down. The driver then told them to get into the van. The students said no and continued walking; the suspect pulled up next to them and once again told them to get in. The students quickly went to the school office and reported the encounter to staff, who called 911.  

During the initial investigation, BPD was made aware of a second incident that occurred at approximately the same time at the intersection of Telegraph Avenue and Derby Street. In the second incident the suspect waved towards another student standing on the sidewalk and motioned for her to approach the van. The suspect suddenly drove off when the student’s father walked up.  

The suspect in both incidents was described as a Hispanic Male, 30-40 years old, dark hair, mustache, heavy set, wearing baseball cap, driving an older model, dark green mini-van, possibly a Nissan Quest, with rear tinted windows.  

The students in this case used excellent personal safety habits, immediately leaving the area of the suspect, and reporting the matter to school staff. 

The Police Department has been in close contact with Willard staff and Berkeley Unified School District personnel to share information regarding these incidents, and personal safety measures. 

This case is under active investigation. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Berkeley Police Department at 510-981-5900. If you a person wishes to remain anonymous he/she can call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.