‘Grunting’ Man Followed Middle School Girl: Deputies

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying a man who is accused of following a Rushe Middle School student on her way home Tuesday afternoon.

According to the agency, the girl, who is not being identified, turned down Snowdonia Drive around 2:15 p.m. Aug. 22, when she noticed a white van drive past her and stop. A man reportedly got out of the van and started to walk behind her.

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“The victim began walking faster and the male also picked up his pace,” an email from the sheriff’s office said. “The victim became scared and started to run until she reached a group of unknown students.”

The girl looked back once she reached the group and noticed the man had returned to his van, the sheriff’s office said.

“The male never said anything to the victim, but he was making a loud grunting noise,” the agency noted.

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The suspect is described as being a tall, white male between the age of 30 and 35. He had a brown beard and was wearing a red baseball cap pulled down in front of his face. He also had on a white T-shirt and jean shorts, the sheriff’s office said.

The van is described as a newer, white work van. It was clean in condition and had dark windows, the sheriff’s office said. The only side windows were on the front and passenger side doors, the agency noted.

Anyone who has information about the man, van or incident is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 1-800-706-2488.

No further information is available at this time.

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