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

Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said: a newsletter William Vandenbush, 46, was arrested Friday.

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

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

Deputies arrested Vandenbush at the scene.

Investigators said they determined Vandenbush sent nude photos to a minor and agreed to meet the minor for sexual purposes at the park. This little boy was part of the group that came to the park.

Vandenbush was sent to the Cois Byrd Detention Center. He faces several felony charges, including sending a harmful substance to a minor, communicating with a minor for sexual purposes, and arranging to meet a minor for sexual purposes.

Although this case ultimately resulted in an arrest, the sheriff’s office is urging the public not to conduct their own operations and undercover investigations.

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

The sheriff’s office said to contact law enforcement immediately instead.

Anyone with further 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. No further details were disclosed.

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