Police looking for registered sex offender who reportedly approached children near Whitefish Bay park

WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) – Authorities are looking for a registered sex offender after they say he was acting suspiciously while at Klode Park in Whitefish Bay. 

According to the Village of Whitefish Bay, 56-year-old Raymond Hoelzer reportedly approached two children on a sidewalk near Klode Park on July 24. He is said to have asked the kids to look at an image of a supposed Disney character on his phone. Feeling uncomfortable, one of the children pulled out her cell phone to call 911 but did not complete the call as Hoelzer walked away. Police learned of this information on July 25.

A Whitefish Bay officer, unaware of the first incident, saw Hoelzer standing in a men's restroom at Klode Park. Hoelzer left when the officer entered the restroom and the officer observed him walking down to the beach.

The officer says he walked down to the beach and saw Hoelzer watching people on the beach from some bushes. Hoelzer, seeing the officer, began to walk up the path away from the beach and told the officer he was off from work enjoying the good weather. Hoelzer is said to have left the park.

A short time later, officers saw Hoelzer walking back and forth in front of Richards School. He again told officers he was out for a walk. The man did not have any open warrants and officers did not believe any crimes or ordinances had been violated.

A Whitefish Bay officer, feeling uncomfortable about the man's behavior, discovered Hoelzer is a registered sex offender with the State of Wisconsin. Sex offenders are not to be present in or near Child Safety Zones, areas where children congregate such as parks and schools. 

Village officials say Hoelzer violated the village Sex Offender Ordinance and that he will be arrested. 

Authorities are asking anyone who sees Hoelzer to call 911 right away.