PHOENIX — A stranger in a van, allegedly following children at an apartment complex, has been caught after fleeing police.
Phoenix police report that on May 30 they responded to an apartment complex near 67th Avenue and Thomas Road after parents said a strange man was following children.
Police say a man, later identified as Rudy James Ortega, age 32, was following children in a cargo van. The children reported to police that he then got out of the van and started following them on foot and "acting weird."
Police located Ortega's van in the area and attempted to stop him. Ortega fled in the van, jumping curbs and cutting through parking lots.
He was soon caught near 43rd Avenue and Camelback Road. Police say they believed he was on drugs at the time after seeing his hands and feet were uncontrollably shaking.
Ortega allegedly admitted to using meth.
He has been charged with unlawful flight from police.
