Sex Offender Left Creekside Park With Minor, Bought Her Candy: PD

PLEASANTON, CA — A registered sex offender who convinced a 12-year-old girl to leave Creekside Park with him and later obtained the girl's phone number has been arrested, police said.

The incident happened Thursday when the man, identified by cops as 44-year-old Muneer Hassan, approached two 12-year-old girls at the park, according to police. After convincing one of the girls to leave the park with him, he bought her candy nearby and then took her to a canal on Santa Rita Road where he got her cellphone number, police said.

Police said no physical or sexual assault was reported. The girl told her parents about the incident and the parents notified Pleasanton Police.

Hassan, who police say lives in Dublin and San Leandro, also had an outstanding warrant on drug-related charges, police said. He was taken into custody for one felony count of annoying and molesting a minor, one felony count of failing to register as a sex offender and for the drug-related charges.

Anyone with further information on the case was asked to contact police at 925-931-5100.

Police offered the following tips to parents to educate their children on how to be safe when they are not accompanied by an adult:

• Encourage children to use the buddy system – walk and play with friends or classmates.
• Avoid solitary areas such as alleys and vacant buildings.
• With your children, map out the safest routes to bus stops, stores and friends’ homes. Teach them to take these routes and avoid using shortcuts.
• Explain the importance of being alert. Even while listening to music or socializing, it is important to be aware of their surroundings.
• Never talk to strangers in person or online unless they are designated “safe” adults.
• Never accept gifts, food or rides from strangers.