The Bakersfield Police Department says its investigation into KUZZ’s Scott Thackrey began after the family of a 13-year-old girl told dispatchers the reporter was making sexual comments to their child over the Internet.

Sgt. Joe Grubbs said Thackrey set up a meeting with the teenager Wednesday night on Easton Drive, and was hoping to commit a lewd act.

“Thackrey met at an agreed-upon location with the 13-year-old female juvenile, and we arrested him,” Grubbs said.

Grubbs refused to say how long the investigation had been going on and when police learned about the alleged discussions between Thackrey and the child.

Thackrey is out on bail and released a statement on Facebook.

“I am deeply sorry for hurting and disappointing my friends. But I am even more sad that I let down my boys. I hope in time they can forgive me. And I hope to show that by not running or hiding, they will know that no matter how bad something is it can always be owned and learned from. I ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” Thackrey posted Thursday afternoon.

KUZZ has placed Thackrey on leave until further notice.

“We are shocked and saddened to hear of Scott’s arrest, and find the allegations to be completely out of character for the man we’ve known and worked with for years,” Suzanne Grant, the station’s news director, posted to Facebook on Wednesday. “At this point we have to allow the case to play out and hope for the best and appropriate resolution for all involved.”

Buck Owens Productions, which owns KUZZ-AM and FM, KCWR and KRJK, has also launched its own investigation into Thackrey’s conduct.

– Anthony Pollreisz