Oxford Police Department looks for possible predator
Published 10:50 am Thursday, February 9, 2017
A man in a red SUV that has been bothering young women at various locations around Oxford since April has been identified by local law enforcement and issued a citation for stalking.
A woman contacted OPD Tuesday when a white male with long, dark hair followed her teenage daughter, driving a red Ford Explorer at Avent Park. Investigators realized they had deal with the someone matching the description in recent months.
Maj. Jeff McCutchen said the department has had nine reports filed since April about a suspicious man in a red SUV, matching a similar description as the man at Avent Park Tuesday.
After the complain was made Tuesday, officers made contact with the man and told him to leave the park. On Wednesday, the parents of the teenaged girl filed charges against the man and officers served him with a misdemeanor citation for stalking. The citation is considered a noncustodial arrest, requiring the suspect to appear in court.
Since the charge is a misdemeanor, his name was not released this morning.
Oxford Park Commission Director Seth Gaines is working with OPD.
OPC public relations director John Davis said the situation was discussed at the OPC Board of Director’s meeting Wednesday.
“They are taking this very seriously,” Davis said.
Davis said maintenance crews will be making more stops in the park to keep on eye on thing and alert law enforcement if they see anything suspicious.
McCutchen said anyone who had a similar issue should contact OPD immediately with as much identifying information as possible, including car tag numbers, description of the vehicle and suspect.
To report a suspicious person, call 662-232-2400 or 911 if someone could be in immediate danger.