TEMECULA, Calif. (Gray News) – A large group of vigilante teenagers helped arrest an alleged sex predator in California, according to authorities.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said a press release that William Vandenbush, 46, was arrested Friday.

Deputies said they responded to a park in the city of Temecula after receiving a tip that an adult was meeting a minor there for sexual purposes.

When deputies arrived at Nicolas Road Park, they found a group of about 20 teenagers who were there recording the encounter.

Deputies arrested Vandenbush at the scene.

Investigators said they found Vandenbush had sent nude photos to a minor and agreed to meet the minor at the park for sexual purposes. The minor was part of the group that showed up to the park.

Vandenbush was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. He faces multiple felony charges, including sending malicious mail to a minor, contacting a minor for sexual purposes, and arranging to meet with a minor for sexual purposes.

Although this case ultimately led to an arrest, the sheriff’s office urges the public not to conduct their own sting operations and undercover investigations.

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office strongly discourages residents from conducting their own undercover investigations and arranging meetings with potential suspects,” they wrote in the news release. “This action unnecessarily compromised the safety of anyone in the vicinity of the park.”

The sheriff’s office said instead, contact police immediately.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call Investigator Alissa Morris or Deputy Kevin Au at (951) 696-3000.

Deputies said the investigation is ongoing. Further details were not released.

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