Dozens of folks hit the local rails to trails system in Vernon Thursday, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. It wasn’t the chance of rain they worried about, but reports of some indecent exposure.
“That’s disgusting and a little disturbing since I like to come down here everyday and go walking,” said Christina Cowell of Vernon.
Vernon police officers say there’s a “trail” flasher on the loose. They received 5 reports from 5 different woman Thursday all claiming a man jumped out from behind a tree and exposed himself. Investigators say he then propositioned them for sex.
“This man didn’t take any kind of action against them or threaten them but it’s the kind of thing that we like to look into,” said Det. James Grady of the Vernon Police Department.
Many on the trail system say they are now thinking twice about their outdoor habits.
“I’ve been coming here for 3 years now. I don’t usually have my cell phone, which is bad. I should start carrying it. I’m definitely concerned. That is not something I want to encounter in the woods,” said Bernadette Maheu of Tolland.
Police say the man is in his 40s and stands between 5’8” to 5’10” tall. He has short brown hair and a thin build. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, khaki cargo shorts and flip-flops. All 5 sightings happened between the Valley Falls Park and Phoenix Street entrances to the trail.
Local
Anyone with any information is asked to call police.
