Two kids out fishing at a quiet Valley Center pond ended up running from a man with a knife, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, and deputies say the suspect is still on the loose.
Investigators say the November 5 encounter left the juveniles shaken, their fishing pole snapped, and all four tires on their vehicle slashed. The damage is estimated at about $1,300. Deputies say the man gave them a fake name before taking off, and now they are asking the public to help put a real name to his face.
Deputies Release Photos And Description
The Valley Center Sheriff's Substation says the confrontation happened around 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 at a pond near the intersection of Valley Center Road and Irish Oaks Road. An unknown man allegedly pulled a knife and chased the juveniles, then destroyed their fishing pole and slashed all four tires on their vehicle.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, the suspect is described as a white man between 25 and 35 years old, wearing a black shirt, tan pants and brown work boots. Deputies say that during the encounter he provided a fictitious name, calling himself "Hector Zeroni," before leaving the scene.
Local Coverage And Tip Offer
The case drew wider attention after Fox 5 San Diego published the images and details from investigators. The outlet reported that Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Deputies reiterated that the man seen in the released photos is believed to be responsible for chasing the juveniles, damaging their vehicle and breaking their fishing gear.
How To Report A Tip
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Valley Center Sheriff's Substation at (760) 751-4400. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or submit information online through Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000, and the Sheriff's Office says community tips could be key to tracking down and arresting the man shown in the photos.
