Boy Reports Being Followed Home From School by Man

A Hermosa Valley Middle School boy said he was followed home from school last week by a suspicious-looking man, according to a letter sent to parents by the Hermosa Beach City School District on Wednesday. The boy reportedly was not harmed.

The boy said he saw the man after school was dismissed May 5 standing on the "Loma ramp," according to the letter, which is behind the school near Loma Drive and 16th Street. 

The man wore a gray hoodie, running pants and white tennis shoes, the letter said.

The man followed him all the way to his home, the boy reported. After entering his home, he could still observe the man standing outside, the letter said.

The boy's parent called Hermosa Beach police. Officers did not find the man, but a police report was made, according to the letter.

"Predators of any kind look for those secluded areas," Hermosa Beach police Sgt. Landon Phillips said Thursday of the Loma ramp area by where 16th Street dead-ends.

Students should walk to and from school in well-populated areas, such as Valley Drive or the greenbelt, he said.

Phillips also offered these additional safety tips:

• Children should not walk alone. "Always walk with a friend," he said.
• Parents should know in advance if children are going anywhere after school.
• Remind children not to talk to strangers.
• Students should always tell parents, teachers or even nearby business owners if they  notice someone in the area who looks odd or weird.

Increased campus patrols are in effect at the school and school staffers are monitoring the Loma ramp. The school access gate remains locked during school hours, according to the school district. 

Faculty and staff on Wednesday discussed safety rules and tips with students.