San Rafael, CA – Visitors to the Blithedale Summit Open Space Preserve above Mill Valley and Corte Madera are cautioned to be watchful for a non-uniformed man misrepresenting himself as a Marin County Open Space District ranger.
Two incidents have been reported on or near Blithedale Summit Fire Road within the past month. The man is alleged to have provided incorrect information to visitors walking dogs regarding the Open Space District’s rules pertaining to dogs. In one incident, he is alleged to have kicked a dog and taken photographs of the visitors, both women, with his cell phone.
The man is described as white, in his 40s, 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall, with short salt-and-pepper hair, and very fit. He said his name was Dave Stevenson and that he worked for “the department.” At the time of the incidents, he was wearing black and silver bicycling clothing and possessed a black mountain bike.
The man is not employed by or associated with Marin County Parks or the Marin County Open Space District. While on duty in open space preserves, rangers are always in uniform.
Marin County Parks is investigating the incidents. Others who may have interacted with a man matching that description, or who may have witnessed similar interactions, are urged to contact Marin County Parks at 415-473-2816.