Man Tries Luring Banning Schoolgirl Into Alley: PD

BANNING, CA — A 24-year-old man remained jailed Monday morning on suspicion of child annoyance/molestation following an incident in Banning involving an underage girl.

Eric Rios Whitlock of Yucaipa was being held at Banning's Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 bail.

According to the Banning Police Department, the afternoon of Aug. 9 the victim was walking home from Banning High School when a stranger, later identified as Whitlock, began following her around San Gorgonio Avenue and the railroad tracks.

"The male attempted to lure the female into a nearby alleyway, but she was able to run to Central Elementary School and contact a staff member who called the police," according to the department.

When police arrived at the elementary school located at 295 N. San Gorgonio Avenue, the girl was able to provide a suspect description.

Officers found a man —Whitlock — matching the description in a nearby abandoned residence, according to the police narrative.

The Banning Police Department recommends that students walk to and from school in groups and "remain alert by staying off electronic devices while walking."

The department said additional officers are patrolling school routes to ensure kids' safety.

"We will continue to work closely with the Banning Unified School District to ensure the safety of students," according to the department, which is asking the public to call 911 to report suspicious activity.

Related: Motorists Urged To Help Keep Banning, Beaumont School Kids Safe