Warning for Monterey Divers (especially women): Beware of Fred

[Dryglove]

I'm still here too although I moved out of CA about a year ago. It's amazing this thread has gone on for so many years.

 

[Bound]

The legend, they call Fred.

 

[Catito]

I just wanted to post a warning to anyone who dives in Monterey to be wary of a local diver named Fred who approaches divers, especially women, at local dive sites and asks to join them on their dives. He drives an older red pickup truck and typically wears a cap with a dive flag on the front.

I had a very disturbing experience with this guy about a month ago where he grabbed me underwater and tried to drag me off in an unplanned direction. I have since learned other disturbing facts about his reputation.

I am not one to spread rumors, but the information I got was from several very reliable sources and I think it's important information for divers to have in making choices about who NOT to dive with.

According to several professionals at various dive shops in Monterey, Fred has had a reputation for this kind of behavior. They shared their knowledge about cards he has had that misrepresented him as a dive professional and "certified dive buddy". They also indicated that there was evidence that he has turned off air to force a buddy breathing situation. The dive professionals that I've talked to try to dissuade people from diving with him and one dive shop won't even fill his tanks.

I learned a very important lesson that day I let him tag along. I was not so kind and accomodating the second time he approached me. I hope this information helps others from having a similar experience.

~LittleFrog, a little wiser.

what a dangerous freak. Yes, report him.

 

[Magnus Lundstedt]

what a dangerous freak. Yes, report him.

I think it is a little late, the thread started 16 years agoo, and if he was in his sixties then...

Also seems like not any sightings in many years.

 

[dead dog]

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I doubt Fred is around anymore, and if he is he’s probably too old and decrepit to be of any concern.
But yeah, weirdos can be kinda alarming.
Now I hear the new problem are the homeless that seemed to have moved into the area and pilfer stuff out of peoples’ vehicles when they’re not looking.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

maybe leave a sandwich or something on the hood of your car for them. there but for the grace of god and all that, ya know?

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

maybe leave a sandwich or something on the hood of your car for them. there but for the grace of god and all that, ya know?

The seagulls would get it first.
I don’t want to get into a whole thing about street people and how they got there, etc. but stealing from people is not the answer.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Completely agree. And you're right about the seagulls. Those things are a-holes.

 

[lexvil]

While there have been occasional reports of theft I’ve never had an issue there.

Humans are a resilient species, with lack of other options they will choose to survive, if that means taking stuff they will, every single one of us would do the same, it costs much less to keep people honest than it does to catch and punish them.