St. Johns County

Deputies: Man who followed woman, child around St. Johns County Publix arrested on stalking charge

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — The man who deputies said was following a woman and a child around a St. Johns County Publix on Wednesday has been arrested.

David Schroeder, 63, is facing a charge of stalking, according to an arrest report from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday, SJSO released images asking for the public’s help in identifying Schroeder. He was identified by deputies on Sunday and arrested Tuesday.

Deputies said Schroeder followed a woman, who was holding a young child, into the Publix on State Road 13 on Wednesday.

They said Schroeder continued to follow the woman and child around the store.

Deputies said Schroeder was seen on video deliberately following her without purchasing anything from the store.

When the woman entered the checkout line, Schroeder exited the store and waited outside for her, then followed her to her car.

Deputies said the woman was able to hide from Schroeder and went into the store to notify employees. Once they returned to the parking lot, he was gone.

According to the arrest report, Schroeder admitted to deputies that he followed the woman and child around.

He said “he thought the victim looked good and he followed her through the entire store,” the report said.

Schroeder, who has an extensive arrest history, was asked by a deputy if he considers himself a sexual predator or offender.

“The defendant stated he would consider himself a sexual predator or offender,” the report said.

He also told deputies he went into Panera Bread on Tuesday and was “staring at a pretty girl and following her around,” the report said.

Schroeder “stated he has a sex problem and needs help,” the report said.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said other possible victims have come forward. Schroeder is being held in the St. Johns County Jail on no bond.