ST. ANN, Mo. – Police from St. Ann opened an investigation after a student from Burder Elementary reported a car following her Sunday.

The Ritenour School District notified parents that an arrest was made soon after the incident was reported.

Police identified Curtis Wilson, 54, as the suspect. Investigators said his phone contained images that indicated he had been on school property, even though Wilson’s conditions prohibited him from being within 500 feet of a school building.

Wilson is also charged with failing to register as a sex offender. He was not registered at his current address, according to police.

“This is a great example of a case that can show other parents what to teach their children if they feel uncomfortable,” Detective Lt. Monica Ruelas of the St. Ann Police Department said.

The juvenile was able to give detectives a detailed description of the vehicle, and detectives began investigating immediately.  

“We take these cases serious, and we want to make sure that all of our children are protected here in St. Ann,” Ruelas said.

Residents living near the elementary school credit the juvenile for voicing her concerns and for police responding promptly.

“I hope we’re having conversations with our young people enough that they feel comfortable doing that,” Yvonne Twillmann, St. Ann resident, said. “Sometimes it feels silly, but it’s still a good idea to say something.”