The Strange Case of 2 Men and a Red Pickup in San Angelo

SAN ANGELO, TX – The San Angelo Police Department is investigating multiple incidents related to several viral social media posts describing two white males who are allegedly attempting to lure children into a red older-model Ford Ranger pickup truck as well as several posts inciting physical retaliation against the men.

Yesterday evening, a Facebook user approached San Angelo LIVE! to sell us a video clip of a man described as a "pedophile" getting knocked unconscious at a San Angelo area Stripes Convenience Store. "Got a video of the guy who knocked the pedo out at stripes earlier," the Facebook message read. We declined.

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Above: Facebook posts of the suspicious men.

On Sunday, the police reported it received several reported sightings of the men and truck from the viral social media posts in and around various locations in San Angelo. Police said they responded to each reported sighting. Both men, who appear to be suffering from a cognitive impairment, were located and identified and investigations into the reported incidents ensued.

Police confirmed a possible act of so-called vigilante justice, where one of the accused men, aged 41, was assaulted late Sunday night at a local gas station during an altercation with three men who recognized the man from the viral posts. The man was later treated for a broken jaw. The suspects have not been located. The incident is under investigation.

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Above: More Facebook posts of the suspicious men.

To date, officers have spoken with several complainants who alleged the two men have been acting suspiciously and following children and women; however, no incidents of attempted abduction have been reported.

Police said none of the reported local incidents have risen to a violation of Texas law but police promised they are exploring every possible avenue within legal guidelines to halt the activity.

Police stressed the importance of reporting suspicious behavior when it is occurring. Sometimes, police said, people are reluctant to call 911 about behavior that they feel is suspicious or they choose to post on social media before calling authorities.

The Department is also cautioning members of the public to refrain from approaching the men and taking matters into their own hands.

If you or someone you know has had a recent encounter with the men, please contact the San Angelo Police Department as soon as possible at (325) 657-4315 to file an incident report.