Three girls between 12 and 13 were walking in a residential neighborhood when they encountered the man at about 2 p.m. One of the girls told her mother approximately two hours after the incident.
The three girls walked by a parked car with its engine running. Inside the car the girls saw the male driver was reclined with his pants down, masturbating. The man appeared to be startled by the girls as he noticed them and drove away at a high rate of speed, according to police.
The suspect was described as a white or Middle-Eastern man about 35 to 40 years old with tan skin, heavyset, with short brown hair and hairy arms and legs. He was reportedly unshaven. He was wearing a tan striped or plaid flannel shirt with red, blue or green stripes.
The car was described as a five- to 10-year-old dark blue or purple four-door Honda or Toyota, or similar make. Police said the car was dirty, particularly its lower portion, as if it had recently been driven through mud. The wheels were chrome with five or six large spokes, also dirty.
Although there is no indication that the three girls were specifically targeted, Irvine Police are concerned due to the close proximity to a park and elementary school where children were present. This appears to be an isolated incident, as there have not been any other similar reports.
Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the Irvine Police Department at (949) 724-7000.
