Nanaimo RCMP are investigating after a man exposed himself to a woman and committed what police called an "indecent act" in front of her. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

INDECENT EXPOSURE

Man drops pants, exposes himself to a woman on Nanaimo walking trail

May 4, 2022 | 10:36 AM

NANAIMO — Local Mounties are investigating a case of indecent exposure at a Nanaimo park.

A woman walking alone on the trail at Beach Estates Park on Departure Bay Rd. on Wednesday, April 27 at around 12:15 p.m. told police a man in his mid 20’s exposed himself to her.

Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the two had crossed paths on the trail earlier in her walk then reconnected near Departure Bay Rd.

“At this point they were making eye contact, he had dropped his pants and was committing an indecent act.”

The woman quickly left the scene and reported the incident to RCMP, concerned by the fact there is a daycare near where the exposure occurred.

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Police say the suspect is caucasian, with brown curly hair and glasses. He was wearing a black jacket with grey sleeves, black sweatpants and grey running shoes at the time of the incident.

He was last seen walking past Save On Foods at the nearby Brooks Landing shopping centre, with police using the woman’s description and area security camera footage to advance their investigation.

O’Brien added situations like this occur “from time to time” however he emphasized local trails are considered extremely safe in general.

O’Brien also praised the woman for doing everything right.

“She felt uncomfortable, there was something about the individual that she felt was off and she was correct. She wisely left the area and reported the incident when it was safe to do so.”

He said walkers, runners and other trail users should make a habit of regularly being aware of their surroundings.

Pausing on your route if someone behind you is making you uncomfortable and allowing them to pass is another suggested tip to avoid dangerous situations.

“Our trails are inherently safe, they’re used every day, every week, every year and thousands of people flock to our beaches, lakes and trails for a variety of uses,” O’Brien said. “Unfortunately some of these incidents happen, they happen in any community.

O’Brien also said if a situation makes anyone uncomfortable, they should run in the opposite direction and make noise to attract attention.

The incident occurred at the Departure Bay Rd. end of the Beach Estates Park trails. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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