Crime & Safety
Hernando County, FL Sheriff Warns Parents After School Incident
Spring Hill, FL – Parents and students in Hernando County are being urged to remain vigilant Tuesday after a 14 year old girl reported encountering a suspicious man near Explorer K 8 School in Spring
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-10-27T21:36:50.448Z
Spring Hill, FL – Parents and students in Hernando County are being urged to remain vigilant Tuesday after a 14 year old girl reported encountering a suspicious man near Explorer K 8 School in Spring Hill while walking to class.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff 's Office, the incident occurred Tuesday, Oct. 27, between 7:15 and 8 a.m. along Portillo Road, where the student noticed an unknown man near a construction site.
Investigators say the man was standing beside a dark colored, four door pickup truck, possibly blue, and allegedly appeared to be engaging in an indecent act.
The student reported that the man smiled at her as she crossed the road to avoid him.
Authorities say the man then returned to his pickup and reportedly drove around the surrounding area before disappearing from the student's view.
The individual has not been identified, and deputies are asking residents to remain alert while investigators seek additional information.
The Sheriff's Office released a limited description indicating the man may have been wearing tan or khaki pants. His pickup truck may also have contained electrical equipment in its bed.
Authorities are encouraging parents to discuss personal safety with their children, particularly when walking to and from school.
Students are advised to avoid approaching unfamiliar individuals who make them uncomfortable and to immediately report suspicious behavior to a trusted adult or law enforcement.
The Sheriff's Office is also asking anyone who recognizes the vehicle or has information about the incident to contact investigators.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1 866 990 TIPS 8477 or TIPS from a cellphone.
Tips may also be submitted through Hernando County Crime Stoppers .
Eligible information could qualify for a reward of up to $5,000.
Authorities have not announced an arrest or publicly identified a suspect.