-- Authorities stepped up efforts Monday to find a man who they say tried unsuccessfully to lure a boy into his car in San Clemente, and who may have been involved in a similar attempt in Simi Valley.
The suspect called out to a 9-year-old San Clemente boy about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 4100 block of Costero Risco, said Jim Amormino, of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
The boy had gone outside his home to get football equipment when a man between 40-50 years old -- driving a green sedan -- asked him if he wanted a lollipop. The boy said no and ran back inside his home, telling his parents, Amormino sa
id.
Authorities say the same man may have been the person who asked directions from -- then tried to grab -- a 10-year-old boy riding a bicycle about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in Simi Valley, Amormino said. In that case, the vehicle w
as described as green or blue in color.
The boy got home, told a family member, and police were contacted, Amormino said. A composite drawing of the suspect was made.
"We're concerned that it's the same suspect," Amormino said. adding that authorities want to know if there have been other attempts by the same man, who was described as African-American.
