The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is investigating reports of a man exhibiting lewd behavior while following women on a Santee walking path.
One incident took place Monday at the Walker Preserve Trail. The victim, identified as Lisa, was walking her dog along the trail when the suspect closed in on her at a fast pace from behind.
He got within six feet before veering off the path and into the thicket where he stood there watching her.
Walker Preserve Trail is a popular hiking spot with water and wildlife to the right and a suburban neighborhood to the left.
"You can see there is houses right here along the trail so I still feel pretty safe,” Ashley Bauerle said while hiking the trail.
But a Santee resident, identified as Lisa, won't be coming back here after her morning walk.
“I was creeped out and scared," Lisa said while attending a community meeting with sheriff's deputies.
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She said the suspect followed her, with his hands in his pants, then left the path and stood to watch her. He later walked past Lisa and snapped a photo with his phone.
"He is a man in his 30's, about six foot, 185 pounds, brown hair, clean shaven," Lisa said.
She said two other women told her the suspect followed them just minutes before her.
"You can run--there are plenty of outlets down the trail to get into the housing areas. Scream, make a big noise," Bauerle said.
The sheriff's department said Santee deputies are investigating the complaint. They asked residents to report suspicious activity.
