Marshall Ranch: Glendale police look for man who exposed himself, touched young girl in park area

GLENDALE, AZ - Glendale police are looking for a man who exposed himself to two young girls playing in a park area Sunday afternoon.

According to Sgt. Brent Coombs, two elementary school age girls were playing in the Marshall Ranch Community just before 5 p.m. when the man exposed himself and touched one of the girls inappropriately.

The location is near 57th Avenue and Marshall Ranch Drive.

Soon after, the man ran back to his vehicle and fled the area, Coombs said.

Parents in the area worry that this kind of behavior can escalate.
 
"You have to wonder what he may do next," said Bobby Bhakta, who lives nearby.  "That is what is unknown and scary."

He is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing a green hat, a dark T-shirt, and jeans.

He drove an older, red, four-door sedan with black door handles.

Glendale police say it's vital for the community to know about the incident in case the man plans to do something like this again.

Any known information should be given to the Glendale Police Department at 623-930-3000.

The following letter was sent home to parents, according to the school district:

Dear Marshall Ranch Parents and Guardians,

This letter is to inform you of an incident that occurred this weekend in our Marshall Ranch community. Two female students playing in a green belt were approached by an unknown male who was driving a red, four-door sedan. The unknown male exposed himself and inappropriately touched one of the females. Local authorities have been notified and a report was filed.

This event brings an opportune time to remind students of the need to remain extremely cautious when they are out on their own or walking to/from school.  The following tips are some basic reminders you might want to share with your children:

• Do not talk to strangers at any time.
• Walk with others to and from school, as well as other places.
• Be aware of travel times and routes.
• Go directly to school or home.
• Develop a code word to use between your child and a trusted friend or family member in the case of an emergency.
• When you feel you are being threatened, run directly home or to a place close by where you know you will be safe.

If you or your child have any pertinent information regarding this incident, call the Glendale Police Department at 623-930-3000; Marshall Ranch Elementary School at 623-486-6450; or the Peoria Unified’s Safe School Line at 623-486-6199,  to record an anonymous message.