NewsLocal News

Actions

Suspect in multiple prowling incidents arrested near Cal Poly

Posted
and last updated

A San Luis Obispo man was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of prowling in a neighborhood near Cal Poly.

Police say detectives were conducting surveillance in the 900 block of Boysen Ave. when they found a man hiding in bushes near the window of a closed office.

Officers have identified the man as Juan Francisco Rodriguez Espino, 35.

They say he was already suspected in four prowling incidents dating back to October 2018. The most recent incident, which occurred in the 800 block of Boysen, was reported to police on November 17.

Police say in all of those cases, different women preparing for bed were targeted by a male suspect, believed to be Espino. They believe those incidents were sexually motivated.

Espino was arrested and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail. He was shown in custody Wednesday afternoon with bail set at $10,000.

Police say they were conducting surveillance in that neighborhood because of an increase in reported prowling incidents. They urge residents to immediately report any suspicious activity, such as prowling, and recommend keeping curtains and blinds into private areas closed.

Anyone with information about Espino or other suspected prowling incidents, is urged to call the San Luis Obispo Police Department at (805) 781-7312 or Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP.

Related: Students report Peeping Toms and prowlers in neighborhood around Cal Poly