Huntington Beach police arrested an Irvine man Wednesday on felony child endangerment charges, two days after reports of suspicious behavior near a residential elementary school drew a community-wide call for help identifying the suspect.
What happened Tuesday night
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, HBPD officers responded to reports of a man driving through the neighborhood near Newland Elementary School, at 8787 Dolphin Drive, and engaging in suspicious behavior involving children. The department quickly moved to identify the driver and vehicle, releasing a public request for assistance.
The specific nature of the behavior has not been released. HBPD said it would not provide additional details at this time.
Arrest two days later
The community responded. Based on tips from residents, witness interviews, and additional evidence gathered by detectives, investigators identified Ivan Mendoza, 21, of Irvine as the suspect. Detectives contacted Mendoza on Thursday, June 4, and placed him under arrest.
He was booked on one count of felony child endangerment. HBPD credited the community members who came forward with information as critical to making the arrest.
What the charge means
Felony child endangerment under California Penal Code 273a covers willfully causing or permitting a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or placing a child in a situation where their health or safety is endangered. A felony conviction carries up to six years in state prison.
HBPD has not announced additional charges or indicated whether other victims or witnesses have been identified. As of Thursday, Mendoza faces a single felony count.
Detectives still seeking information
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have been contacted by Mendoza, witnessed the incident near Dolphin Drive, or has relevant video footage is asked to contact Detective Millar directly at 714-536-5961.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS — (855) 847-6227.
It is not the first time this year HBPD has acted quickly on a child safety case. In April, detectives arrested a 61-year-old man at Huntington Beach Central Park after he arrived expecting to meet a juvenile — caught in a social media film crew sting operation.