“Media Release August 9, 2024
Banning, Calif. – On Friday, August 9, 2024, at approximately 1:47 PM, Banning School Resource Officers responded to Central Elementary School, located at 295 N. San Gorgonio Avenue, reference a female juvenile reporting that she was being followed and harassed by an unknown male.
Officers contacted the female juvenile who said she was walking home from Banning High School when an unknown male 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.
Based on the information provided, Officers located a male subject matching the description in a nearby abandoned residence. Officers arrested Eric Rios Whitlock, 24- years-old, of Yucaipa for violation of 647.6(a) (1) PC – annoying or molesting a child. Whitlock was booked into Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility for the violation.
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 Banning Police Department will have additional officers on school routes to ensure the safety of kids. We will continue to work closely with the Banning Unified School District to ensure the safety of students. We ask anyone that sees suspicious activity to call 911.
COMMITTED TO SERVING WITH HONOR AND PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF OUR COMMUNITY!”
