UPDATE: Man Accused of Dressing as Woman to Enter Loma Linda U Female Dorm

Update 7:39 p.m. A spokesman for Loma Linda University released a statement Monday afternoon about the arrest of a 46-year-old man accused of dressing up as a woman to sneak into a female dormitory on Tuesday June 4.

Rodney Kenneth Peterson, of Corona, was allegedly wearing women's clothing and a dark-colored wig when he went into a Loma Linda University female dorm, a sheriff's spokeswoman said Monday June 24.

Peterson also allegedly struck a Loma Linda University security guard with his vehicle as he drove away, according to the Sheriff's Department. Peterson was arrested June 21 at his home in Corona.

"We applaud the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for following through with the investigation and making an arrest in the case of a trespasser to one of the dormitories of Loma Linda University," school spokesman Herbert Atienza said in a statement Monday.

"We also commend the students and staff who promptly alerted security about the potential security breach and the cooperation between the investigators of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and our Campus Security staff that led to the arrest," Atienza said.

"Loma Linda University Health works hard to maintain a safe campus, and we take seriously any threats to safety," Atienza said. "We have an ongoing program to add security measures to the students' dormitories and buildings throughout the campus to enhance the safety and security of our students, employees, and guests."

In addition to the incident at Loma Linda University, Peterson is suspected of dressing as a woman to get into female-only facilities in Yucaipa and Rancho Cucamonga to try to take photos of unsuspecting women with a cell phone concealed in his purse, sheriff's officials said Monday.

Peterson, who was released on bail Saturday June 22, could not be reached to comment for this report.

Posted 3:39 p.m. A 46-year-old man allegedly dressed up as a woman to sneak into a Loma Linda University female dormitory earlier this month and struck a security guard with his vehicle as he left the dorm parking lot, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Rodney Kenneth Peterson, of Corona, is also accused of dressing as a woman to get into other female-only facilities in Yucaipa and Rancho Cucamonga to try to take photos of unsuspecting women with a cell phone concealed in his purse, sheriff's officials said Monday.

Peterson allegedly masqueraded as a woman to get into the female dorm the afternoon of Tuesday June 4, and he was arrested Friday June 21, Central Station personnel said in a statement.

Peterson was released from custody on unspecified bail early Saturday June 22, according to inmate records.

At 2:37 p.m. June 4, Peterson allegedly "accessed the Loma Linda University female dormitory dressed as a woman," sheriff's officials said. "After unsuccessfully trying to enter several 'student only' areas, he was confronted by staff members and quickly left the building."

Loma Linda University security contacted Peterson in the parking lot but he was able to get into his vehicle, sheriff's officials said.

Peterson started driving and he allegedly struck a security guard with his vehicle, sheriff's officials said. The guard sustained minor injuries.

"During the investigation it was determined Peterson, while dressed as a woman, had entered several other female only facilities in the cities of Rancho Cucamonga and Yucaipa in an attempt to photograph unsuspecting women using a cell phone he had hidden in his purse," sheriff's officials said.

Peterson was arrested June 21 at his home, 307 S. Smith Ave., Apt. 23, in Corona, sheriff's officials said.

"He was booked at the Central Detention Center for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and bail was set at $50,000," sheriff's officials said.

Anyone with more info was urged to call Detective Jose Ruiz or Sgt. Edward Finneran at (909) 387-3545 or (909) 387-3519. Anonymous tipsters can call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information at www.wetip.com.