Tucson Police, code lights

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating after students at a northwest-side elementary school reported they believed a man was following them home.

On March 1, a student at DeGrazia Elementary School, 5051 W. Overton Road, told deputies they believed they were possibly being followed home by a man.

The student saw the man both walking and driving in the neighborhood near the school multiple times, but the man never initiated contact, a department news release said.

Deputies received another report from students on March 6 about a similar encounter.

Authorities describe the man as white and possibly in his 50s or 60s. He is said to have a medium to thin build, between 5’7 and 6’0, with gray hair and a goatee. He is associated with a midsize single cab pickup truck.

β€œWe would like to remind parents to talk to their children about being watchful and aware of their surroundings,” the news release said. β€œChildren are encouraged to report any suspicious observations to their parents, school staff, or police.”

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tip line.

Here are some essential safety tips that parents or guardians should teach their children before going back to school.


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Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com