Woman escapes from masturbating man in Baldwin Park, police say

Police seek Crimeline tips

BALDWIN PARK, Fla. – Police are searching for a man who they say exposed himself to a woman and grabbed her in a Baldwin Park neighborhood Sunday morning.

Residents first posted a warning about the incident on the app Nextdoor. The woman said she was walking her dog near Meeting Place and Broad Street when the man grabbed her shoulder as he was masturbating. The posting says she fought him off and screamed until he ran. 

Neighbors said they were able to get a glimpse of the man. They said he was black, with a small afro, and that he was wearing a red jacket and was possibly in his 20s.

Residents and people who work in the area said they're disgusted by the man's actions and they plan to be even more vigilant than usual.

Nikki Lyman works nearby in an area packed with restaurants, shopping and a day care where children often play.

"I have pepper spray on my keys that I'm going to make sure are in my hands when walking to and from here. I'm going to make sure I'm more alert looking around,"  Lyman said.

She said she thinks there should be more officers patrolling the area, which authorities said they plan on doing. A sketch of the man wanted in connection with the incident could be forthcoming, officials said.

Police ask anyone with information to call Crimeline at 800-432-TIPS (8477).
 


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