A 48-year-old man is behind bars once more after exhibiting suspicious behavior near a Buckeye school bus stop. According to Buckeye police reports, on the morning of November 21, a mother reported a man had harassed her 12-year-old daughter as she made her way to the bus stop at Baseline and Pima Roads.
Acting on this report, Buckeye police interviewed employees at a nearby daycare who witnessed the incident. They recounted how the suspect attempted to converse with the young girl, prompting them to bring her inside the daycare for safety. The daycare’s prompt response ensured the child was safe as she awaited her bus. Police identified the suspect as Adrian Villareal, who had an existing warrant for his failure to register as a sex offender.
A Buckeye officer patrolling the vicinity later spotted Villareal less than half a mile from the daycare. Upon being approached, Villareal fled on foot but was apprehended after a short standoff in a backyard near 7th Ave and Deniza. "Thanks to a community that is vigilant and protective of our children, this suspect was quickly captured and prevented from causing further harm," read a statement from Buckeye police.
Charges for harassment and trespassing were added to Villareal's warrant, resulting in his booking into jail. The Buckeye police department has released Villareal’s jail booking photo as part of their commitment to community awareness and safety. They continue to encourage the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
