From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department made an arrest for indecent exposure after a detective said he witnessed a man masturbating in the parking lot of Target.
The detective responded to the area on Friday, Sept. 26, after dispatchers received calls in reference to a man in a white SUV with his pants down. After the 26-year-old was arrested, he told police he had an addiction to pornography and that he was glad he got caught because he needs help.
“People need to know it’s important to be aware of their surroundings,” Chief Eric Rush said. “This could be a precursor to a more dangerous situation.”
Studies show this type of exhibitionism is often a sign of more deviant sexual behaviors.
“In these cases, it is obvious there are mental health issues at play,” said Rush. “Our hope is that in these types of cases the people get the help they need before the situation escalates in the future.”