Glen Rock Police Look to Calm Fears on “Flasher”Incident

PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT:

Glen Rock NJ, On 09/24/19 the Glen Rock Police Department responded to a report of a man in a silver SUV exposing himself to two adult women walking their dogs on Cornwall Rd near the Glen Rock HS. This incident was report to the Glen Rock Police Department as well as posted on social media. Social media has caused a tremendous amount of concern within our town regarding this incident. While we understand and appreciate how the public feels, we would like to dispel some rumors and try to calm the situation.

• The individual involved in this incident has been identified
• We have dealt with this individual in the past on completely unrelated issues
• We have spoken extensively with his family and to all known witnesses
• At this time, although there was suspicious activity by the subject, there have been no witnesses or victims that have specifically seen any actions that would rise to the level of signing criminal complaints
• At this time, we DO NOT feel that he is currently a threat to the public
• The subject is not currently at large
• The Glen Rock Police Department is taking all necessary and appropriate steps to deal with this situation and protect the public
• Although the incident occurred near the GR High School, Glen Rock students did not appear to be the intended target and we know of no children who were approached by this subject
• The Glen Rock Police Department has been in contact with school officials from the beginning and they have received timely updates regarding the situation

We feel the need to post this because we have received several reports AFTER the fact of a man in town exposing himself. When we have talked to the callers, they have either been hastily advised by someone else who was attempting to warn them of this man but did not fully or accurately describe the situation or they have seen the social media postings and saw someone who fit the man’s description and called police.

While we are grateful for and always encourage the public to be vigilant and report suspicious persons, activity or items to the police, in this case, these false reports are causing unnecessary panic and fear. We are hoping that this post helps ease the concerns of the public and assure everyone that we are on top of it.

The public should remember that social media has a tendency to amplify concern and blur facts. The Glen Rock Police Department takes seriously and investigates any and all complaints relayed to us in person or via phone. We are obligated to conduct a full investigation in matters that warrant additional attention. While we understand the public’s general concern, we are unable to simply go arrest an individual because someone reported something and provided a license plate. Our subsequent investigation must establish supporting facts and evidence to support any criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Charges can be filed by police or by a civilian for disorderly persons offenses not directly observed by a law enforcement officer. Each and every incident has different and unique circumstances and not every incident ends with criminal charges. Regardless, the Glen Rock Police Department takes every report seriously and handles them appropriately based upon our experience and training.

Should anyone have any questions or concerns or DIRECT EYE WITNESS information, please have them contact D/Sgt. James Calaski or Det. Lucas Doney at 201-670-3948 or 201-670-3947.