Deputies Find No Sign of Homeless Man Stalking Along the River, Quell Rumors

Santee Sheriff's station Captain Lisa Miller quelled rumors making the rounds on social media this week about an alleged homeless man "stalking women" in the area of the Mast Park West Trail off Carlton Hills Boulevard.

She said deputies spent a number of hours this week combing the river bottom and did not locate anyone by that description, and that the woman who posted the message had not witnessed anything herself, but heard the story from third hand information.

This is part of the message that came to the attention of Santee Patch when it was posted on our Facebook page:

"ATTENTION: ladies in santee and lakeside area. The new river walk in santee by 711/ lakes market is NOT safe to walk alone. There is a young Homeless MAN living down there, by the new river walk that camouflages himself and hides in the trees and bushes and STALKS women that go down there. He will follow you in the bushes and trees so you'll never see him..."

Here is the full reply from Captain Miller:

"COPPS Deputy Snelling contacted the lady who posted this message on Facebook. The lady has not witnessed anything but from 3rd hand information she thought she would put it out there for everyone to read.  She realizes it may not have been the best thing to do. The deputies spent a number of hours combing the river bottom and did not locate anyone. Citizens in Santee are real good about letting us know about these types of things and that has not occurred.  The Sheriff's Department will continue their sweeps of the river bottom."

When asked what tips the department has for those walking along the river trails, she said:

"They should always be vigilant of their surroundings, walk in pairs and always notify us if they feel something warrants reporting."

COMMENT: Have you experienced anything like that first hand while walking along the river in Santee?