On Monday, the quiet afternoon routine of a Denair Junior High School student was abruptly interrupted by an unsettling encounter. 50-year-old Elias Orellana Ruiz, a resident of Delhi, California, was allegedly observed engaging in a lewd act—masturbating while driving by the student who was en route home. The suspect was in a brown 2002 Chevy Tahoe SUV at the time of the incident, which caused the young student to seek refuge and immediately alert an adult, as reported by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office.

The report from the distressed student launched a swift response by school staff, who quickly notified the local law enforcement. Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit took the reins and managed to meticulously gather evidence, including reviewing video surveillance and matching vehicle registration information. According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Facebook post, that's how they confirmed the identity of Ruiz, who was previously a registered sex offender as far back as three years ago.

Detectives arrested Ruiz in Riverbank while he was still driving the vehicle in question. The arrest was smooth and showed the Special Victims Unit's effectiveness. Ruiz is charged with felony annoying or molesting a child and has been booked into jail with bail set at $175,000. If you have any information about Ruiz or his 2002 Chevy Tahoe, please call 209-552-2468.