Police ask for help to nab flashers

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Police say they’ve received plenty of complaints of indecent exposure and public nudity this summer – and they’re asking for calm witnesses to help catch the predators.

Since June 1, the Lafayette Police Department has received complaints of cases occurring in retail stores, including Walmart, Target and TJ Maxx.

Other cases have been reported in neighborhoods and hotels.

The following are incidences of flashing, and attached, you’ll find photos of the suspects in the order they appear in this story.

Walmart on State Road 26 on Sept. 2

This suspect is a white male who is roughly 5 feet 5 inches tall.

At the time of this crime he was wearing a red shirt with yellow print.

He was also wearing black shorts and white tennis shoes.

He would appear to be 30 to 40 years of age.

During this incident the male took clothing into a changing room and after disrobing exposed himself to the changing room attendant.

The suspect engaged in conversation with the attendant, while exposed, but did not make any threats, further gestures, nor did he try to touch the attendant.

The suspect quickly dressed and fled the property.

The suspect fled in a later-model dark green GM, full-size pickup truck. The truck has an extended cab, tinted windows and bed cover.

Target on State Road 26 East on July 22

The suspect is reported to have exposed himself at TJ Maxx on June 9 and at Target on July 22. He’s described as being a white male in his 60s.

On each occasion the male has been wearing light colored pants and a polo type collared shirt. He is described as being 5’9”-6’0” with gray hair, possibly a goatee and eye glasses.

On each occasion the male has approached a group of younger females. The suspect asks the females for their thoughts on the clothing he has selected.

With their attention diverted the male then exposes himself. Some of the witness/victims have been juveniles.

After the exposure the male immediately leaves the business. He does not make any further statements or gestures. There is no threat made to the females and nobody has been touched.

It is believed that the suspect drives a smaller, dark vehicle.

There are two known cases involving this male, but police believe that there could be other unreported exposures.

Baypoint Apartments on July 25

The suspect was observed at the apartment complex, positioned so that he could see swimmers at the pool.

This male is dressed similar to the male observed at both Target and TJ Maxx, but police are not certain he is the same man.

Police do not believe he is a resident of the apartment complex.

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Police say any citizen coming into contact with a flasher should remain calm and gather enough information to be a good witness.

Police also discourage a forced encounter with any suspect.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call Lafayette police at 807-1250 or the anonymous We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.

If you see any of these men or anyone else committing these crimes – call 911 immediately.