Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a middle-aged man suspected of prowling outside Oakland homes in a recent string of incidents. <\/p>\n
Since\u00a0Dec. 13 of last year, the Oakland Police Department has received six reports of a man entering people’s yards, peering into their homes and “engaging in inappropriate behavior,” the department said.\u00a0A spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment about what kind of behavior this entailed.<\/p>\n
The most recent incidents have occurred between 8\u00a0p.m. and 10 p.m. in Maxwell Park, a residential neighborhood bordering the Mills College campus. Authorities said the suspect could be connected to additional reports dating back to March 2025.<\/p>\n
Authorities described the suspect as a “balding male, possibly Caucasian or Latino, in his 40s or 50s.” Recent photos of the man show him wearing a black jacket, white hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.<\/p>\n
“Command staff has deployed additional patrols in affected areas to enhance public safety and deter further incidents,” police said Tuesday. “We ask community members to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activity, and share any relevant surveillance footage with investigators.”<\/p>\n
In California, “prowling” is a misdemeanor that can be penalized with up to six months in county jail or a fine of up to $1,000. The term refers to loitering with the intention to invade privacy, often by peeking through windows or doors.<\/p>\n