The Heath Department of Public Safety is reminding parents and children alike to be on guard against sexual predators following the investigation and arrest of a Tyler man who targeted a Rockwall-Heath High School student. “Whether you live in a large city or small community doesn't matter when it comes to sexual predators,” says Chief Terry Garrett, director of Public Safety for the City of Heath. “Adults and children need to always be cautious when approached by strangers. Never pass on personal information such as your address and phone number.” Children also need to be reminded to always let an adult know anytime they are approached by a stranger, and the police should be contacted immediately, Chief Garrett adds. The recent incident began in late April when the Heath Department of Public Safety received a report of suspicious activity from concerned residents involving their daughter, who is a minor. The young lady was at a school sporting event when she was approached by a middle-aged male posing as someone who could assist her in her athletic pursuits. A short time later, the male began communicating in an objectionable manner with the student via her cell phone. An undercover operation led by City of Heath Detective Sergeant Scott Trammell was then conducted, resulting in the subject soliciting a minor for sex, a third-degree felony. Investigators began an intense search to locate and identify the unknown male. “Our investigation quickly revealed that the unknown subject resided in the Tyler, Texas area,” says Detective Trammell. “The investigation was continued by members of the Heath Department of Public Safety, the Tyler Independent School District Police and the Rockwall District Attorney's office and resulted in locating the identity and location of the subject.” During the morning hours of May 14, members of the Heath Special Response Team and Tyler ISD Police served a felony arrest and search warrant at the residence of Glynn Cooper, 49, in Tyler, Texas. Cooper attempted to avoid arrest by barricading himself in a bathroom in the back of the residence. Cooper was successfully taken into custody without further incident and booked into the Rockwall County Detention Center. He currently has a $100,000 bond, and prosecution by the Rockwall District Attorney’s office is now underway. If you have any questions about ensuring the safety of your family, please contact Brian Burton, the City of Heath’s community resource officer, at 972-961-4900 of bburton@heathtx.com. ###