Community Alert: Irvine Police investigating report of child annoyance on Deerfield Avenue

The Irvine Police Department is investigating a report of child annoyance after a man allegedly exposed himself to a 6-year-old student walking home from school on Wednesday. Police say the crime occurred in a residential area along Deerfield Avenue, west of Yale Avenue, at approximately 1:45 p.m. The student later informed a family member.

The suspect is described as a white male in his thirties, wearing an orange shirt and blue jeans. He was driving a white vehicle, according to the IPD news release. Officers checked the area immediately after the report and plan to increase patrols before, during and after school. The Irvine Unified School District will also work closely with IPD to help get the word out. Though no one was injured, this incident should further serve as a reminder to promote vigilance and to make sure every child is aware of the proper safety procedures. Specifically, IUSD and the Irvine Police Department advise that students know the following:

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
• If approached by a suspicious stranger, run away and immediately notify your parents or a trusted adult
• If wearing headphones, look for approaching people or vehicles as you may not hear them
• Whenever possible, walk with a partner or in a group
• Stay away from remote and unfamiliar areas
• Stay on the part of the walkway that is farthest away from shrubs, dark doorways and alleys where people can hide
• Do not approach vehicles that may slow or stop ahead of you
• If you see suspicious activity or persons, immediately leave the area and call 911
• Always avoid substances that may make you vulnerable, such as drugs and alcohol