Man dressed as woman tried to take pictures in dorm, police say

A 46-year-old man accused of dressing as a woman while attempting to take pictures of women across San Bernardino County has been arrested for allegedly striking a security guard while trying to flee a college campus, authorities said.

Rodney Kenneth Petersen was arrested at his Corona home Friday and booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reported. He posted bail and was released the next day.

Authorities allege Petersen went to Loma Linda University on June 4 and tried to enter several “students only” areas at a female dormitory. After staff members confronted him, officials say Peterson left the building and headed toward a parking lot, where he was met by security.

Petersen managed to get inside his vehicle, authorities said, and allegedly struck a security guard while driving away.

Sheriff’s officials said their investigation revealed Petersen dressed as a woman and went to other “female-only facilities” in Rancho Cucamonga and Yucaipa, where he allegedly tried to take pictures with a cellphone hidden in his purse.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact Det. Jose Ruiz or Sgt. Edward Finneran at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, or call a tip hot line at (800) 782-7463.

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