Father discusses frightening incident at Imperial Park

Suspect formally charged with attempted lewdness - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - 38-year-old Pedro Meza who was accused of trying to lure a 10-year-old girl to go into a public restroom on Monday, has been formally charged with attempted lewd acts with a minor.

Imperial police say the incident happened Monday afternoon at Eager Park when Meza walked up to the girl and tried to get here to go into the restroom with him.

Fidel Ponce the girls father says when the man walked up to his daughter, his fatherly instincts immediately took over.

"At the time, I was outraged and wanted my piece of flesh, but I calmed myself down and called the cops," he said.

Ponce says he was furious at the moment, but kept his composure. The man tried to escape, but Ponce followed him until officers arrived.

The male has been formally charged at the Brawley Superior Courthouse with attempted lewd acts with a minor, attempted communication with a minor in an attempt to commit a lewd act, and resisting arrest. Ponce says that he feels relieved.

"Absolutely relieved, and we're happy, we are happy that the Imperial Police Department did what they had to do," he said.

Although Meza was not present for his court appearance, he was formally charged on counts of attempted lewd acts with a minor and communication with a minor in attempts to commit a lewd act.

The Imperial County Sheriff's Office says the suspect is dealing with mental issues. The Imperial Police Department (IPD) urges residents who have children to educate them about "stranger danger".