AUSTIN, Texas -- Parents in Cedar Park are worried about a man they say keeps approaching their children. Monday night, they met with police, who told them he's not breaking the law.
They call him "the Jesus man" because he approaches children, telling them to get into his car so they can listen to Christian music.
"It's getting creepy, something you watch on movies or read in stories. So we don't know what he's going to do next." said Cedar Park resident Kimberley Stone.
"I think he's an odd individual," said Jonathan Longmore. "I think that what he's doing is wrong. It's scared most of the neighborhood kids."
For months now, a 67-year-old grandfather living in a Cedar Park neighborhood has been approaching children, and a few women, about Jesus. He's accused of putting up crosses made out of twigs in neighbors' trees without permission. He curtsies, salutes, and refers to women as "Your Highness."
"When dads are out front, in the front yards, he keeps driving by he doesn't stop. It's only with kids and women," said Jonah Magnussen, whose children has been approached by the Jesus Man.
Cedar Park police has increased patrols in the neighborhood and at schools in the area. Police Chief Henry Fluck says the Jesus Man is not a registered sex offender, nor does he have a criminal history in any other state. At this time, he is not charged with any crime. However, he is under investigation.
"Our patrol division has contacted the individual, that they have their concerns about and they have put him on notice that his behavior is unacceptable and is alarming the neighbors," said Chief Fluck.
Nisa Charma, who let's her children visit with the man in question, says the fear is based on misunderstanding.
"Really, he's mentally ill, but his only mission in life is to tell people about Jesus and why he loves Jesus and wouldn't you like to love Jesus, too," said Charma.
Cedar Park police want people in the area to call 911 if they see anything inappropriate. Officers also want parents to talk to their children to beware of strangers.
