Deputies, school officials warn parents about man they said approached student

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County School district has sent out a warning to parents at four more elementary schools about a dangerous stranger who might be looking for students.

Stone Lake, Camelot, Castle Creek, Timber Lakes, and Avalon elementary schools have all warned parents about the man.

Investigators said on Wednesday a female student at Stone Lake was riding her bike near a community pool on Anastasia Lane when the man approached her and asked her to help him find his lost dog.

The young girl didn't fall for it and took off on her bike, but investigators said the man followed her down the street and eventually he drove off.

Once she made it home her parents called 911 and deputies searched for the man but he was nowhere to be found.

Parent Nina Yoakum is concerned the man will continue to approach young children.

“I don't have on rose-colored glasses. I know people have vehicles and can go anywhere. Unfortunately, yes, it can happen anywhere," Yoakum said.

Yoakum's children are in middle and elementary school.

She said she has warned them about the man and told them to run away if they’re approached.

Yoakum is a block watch captain and decided to use social media to get the story out there and help deputies find man before he approaches another child.

"The sooner the better. It’s too close for comfort," she said.

Schools officials said the man was driving an '80s model sedan and they believe he may live in the Bithlo area.

WFTV