ORLANDO, Fla. – A 41-year-old man was arrested after Orlando police say he recorded video underneath an unsuspecting woman’s dress at a busy shopping center in the city’s tourism district.
The incident happened just after noon Friday at the Orlando Outlet Marketplace along International Drive, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Investigators said the victim told officers that a man, later identified as Thomas Newkirk, ran up to her outside an Adidas store and placed his phone underneath her dress to record video.
The woman’s husband and brother witnessed the encounter and confronted Newkirk, shouting at him and asking what he was doing, police said. The two men then chased after the suspect.
During the pursuit, one of the witnesses was struck with a stick near a garbage can area, according to police.
Officers said Newkirk later handed over his phone when they arrived on scene. Authorities said they found the recorded video on the device.
Police reported that Newkirk apologized to the victim and admitted he recorded the video for his own sexual gratification.
He was arrested on a charge of video voyeurism.
Shoppers in the area said they were surprised by the incident, describing the shopping center as typically busy during the day.
“It’s always busy,” one shopper said. “That’s creepy.”
Nearby resident Karen Vasselo said the incident is a reminder to remain alert.
“It’s a little bit scary because I live close to here,” Vasselo said. “We just have to pay attention and be mindful of our surroundings at all times.”
Online jail records show Newkirk has since bonded out of jail.