Man arrested, another sought in 2 indecent exposure incidents on Schuylkill River Trail

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- One man has been arrested, and another is being sought in two separate indecent exposure incidents on the Schuylkill River Trail.

The first incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

A 33-year-old man on a bike told police he saw a man lying in the middle of the trail, exposing himself and engaging in a lewd act.

Police say the victim called 911 right away, and officers found the suspect - 34-year-old Salin Smalley - nearby.

Smalley is charged with indecent exposure, open lewdness and harassment.

Shortly after that incident, the Action Cam was there as officers spoke to a woman who was on the trail near JFK Boulevard.

Police say around 7:45, a female runner saw a man with his pants down engaging in a lewd act. Police are still trying to track down that suspect.

He's described as a Hispanic male in his late 30's or early 40's, with a stocky build. He was seen wearing a gray jacket and a backpack as he fled up the stairs to JFK Boulevard.

Runners we spoke with say it's alarming.

"It concerns me because it upsets people as well," said Jerry Amari of Center City. "If my wife comes home upset because somebody flashed her, that's upsetting to me."

"I mean, single girl in the city, you always have to be on your game and always be a little bit worried," said Rebecca Reilley of Center City.

"I don't think he's going after anybody, I just think he's having some fun, but it's just kind of disgusting at that," said Dana Sedlick of Center City

Last month, a new initiative called the Schuylkill River Trail Watch was formed, and safety training classes are being offered to citizens who use the trail to help keep it safe.

The next training session is set for Wednesday at City Hall.

John Duffin says he's signed up for it and hopes this recent criminal activity will be addressed.

"I'd be shocked if they don't bring it up because other incidents have been brought up, and it's the reason this was established," said Duffin of Center City. "This area means a lot to me, and I use this a fair amount."

Police say both victims did exactly what they were supposed to in situations like this - they called 911 right away.

New location stickers on the trail are meant to help you tell police where you are if you need help.

If you have any information about this morning's incidents, contact police at 215-686-3388.