City of Columbia Missouri Police Department

600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2013

CONTACT: Sergeant Joe Bernhard
Columbia Police Department
Public Relations Unit/Mounted Unit supervisor
573-441-5470
[email protected]

Safety Alert - Sexual Misconduct Investigation

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

SAFETY ALERT---SEXUAL MISCONDUCT INVESTIGATION

On 09-10-13, at 6:14 P.M., officers responded to the area of the 4500 block of Bethel Street, Bethel Park, in reference to a suspicious person report by two juvenile female victims.  The 14 and 15 year old females reported they were walking home from school at approximately 3:05 P.M. when they noticed a white SUV in the parking lot of Bethel Park.  The white SUV was occupied by a white male who was masturbating.  They reported the white male also had his cell phone out and could have also been taking pictures of himself or them.

 The suspect is described as a white male, in his early to mid 20's, with dark hair, wearing a white t-shirt.  The SUV was only described as white, "not new, but not very old either". 

On 0813, at 5:22 P.M., a Park Ranger from the Parks and Recreation Department was dispatched to Bethel Park in reference to a subject masturbating in the park.   The suspect in that case was also described as a white male in his early 20's with dark hair and also possibly taking pictures of himself with a cell phone.  There is no suspect vehicle description in this incident.

The Patrol Division is aware of these incidents and officers are looking for the suspect.  The investigation is ongoing.

The Columbia Police Department has been in contact with the Columbia Public School District to make them aware of these incidents.

 If anyone has information on these incidents or observes this kind of behavior please contact the Columbia Police Department non-emergency line, 573-442-6131, or 911 if it is an emergency. 



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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