Police are searching for a man who witnesses have repeatedly seen leering at preschoolers in San Mateo’s newest neighborhood.  

San Mateo police responded to reports of a suspicious man just outside a gated outdoor preschool playgroun located in the 1300 block of Wayne Way at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 13. Witnesses thought the man was trying to give the children quarters or gum through the slots in the gate. He was seen three times prior to the report and once afterward, according to a press release issued by the San Mateo Police Department.

The Feb. 13 incident was reported to a passing police officer at 1 p.m. on the same day and the department began searching for the man.  A countywide alert was sent to all police agencies in the area noting the description of the subject and the suspicious circumstances of his actions, according to the press release.   

During the course of the investigation, police determined that staff recognized the man as the same person standing in the same area on two prior occasions. Approximately one month ago the subject was “watching the children play” and about three months ago he tried to talk to several of the children. One staff member told police the man  inquired about employment approximately six months ago, according to the press release.

On Feb. 20 at 3:15 p.m., a day care center employee thought they saw the same person again walking in the neighborhood and called police, according to the press release.

This incident is classified as suspicious conduct and police would like to identify and speak with the man.

The man is described as possibly a Hispanic, in his 20s, black wavy hair, about 5 foot 9 inches, approximately 175 pounds, clean shaven and with acne scars on his face.  He was seen wearing a black older style jacket, black jeans and black shoes.  

Anyone who was in the general area and might have seen anything relevant to this incident should call the SMPD Investigations Services Unit at 522-7650 or call the SMPD Secret Witness Line at 522-7676.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106.