El Monte suspect sought after exposing himself to teen walking home from school

EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) -- El Monte police have stepped up patrols near schools after a man in a car exposed himself to a 14-year-old girl in the area.

The incident happened just before 4 p.m. Monday near Elrovia and McGirk avenues as the girl was walking home from school, police said.

The man drove up in an older model blue four-door car and said to her, "Hey, baby, get in." The young girl looked in the suspect's direction and saw the man committing a sexual act, according to a press release from El Monte police. The young teen got away unharmed.

Authorities released a sketch of the suspect, described as a Hispanic heavyset man in his late 30s or early 40s, with black hair, dark brown eyes acne on his face and patchy facial hair.

He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, khaki shorts and brown glasses with clear lenses.

Police said the type of predator often becomes more aggressive if not caught, prompting police to beef up security at nearby schools.

Residents said they will be watching their backs.

"I don't like it. I see a lot of girls by themselves, so that's kind of scary," said neighborhood resident Nina Palacio.

Anyone with information on the suspect was urged to contact the El Monte Police Department at 626-580-2114. Any additional information may also be submitted via email at tips@empd.org or anonymously through Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.