Today I decided, for the first time in a while, to get some air and enjoy nature, but it was ruined when I realized I was being followed and recorded. It happened so fast. I was walking and noticed the guy pictured walking in the opposite direction. I also noticed a grey van parked near those two big rocks with its flashers on. I continued my walk, but then noticed another car drive past me twice. It slowed down, turned around suddenly, and slowed down again, so naturally I started scanning my surroundings because it instantly made me paranoid. That’s when I saw that same man again, now closer than an arm’s reach right behind me. He had his phone positioned lower near his crotch in a way that made me feel like he was recording me. I immediately created space and screamed. I yelled asking if he needed something and why he was following me. He looked at me like I was absolutely crazy and claimed he was “just trying to pass me” before turning around and walking the other direction. He then started running and jumped into the van. The way he drove off recklessly driving over curbs made me feel even more like he was guilty. Maybe there was an explanation, but as a woman alone, the behavior made me feel unsafe enough to react. More than anything, I felt like I couldn’t let him out of my sight afterward. I’ve walked this same area for over a decade and see so many families and women on this path. I genuinely can’t imagine this happening to someone else, and I would like the community to be aware and stay vigilant.
Side note: I did create a report and called a loved one immediately after. Please stay safe and trust your instincts.
Other side note: he was in pajamas and barefoot????