Parents search for man they say exposed himself to children

PUYALLUP, Wash. — Parents in a Puyallup community are on edge after a man was spotted exposing himself to children walking home from school.

“The gentleman pulled out his privates and smiled at them and started rubbing himself,” said Erica, (who didn't want her last name used).

Erica said her 9-year-old daughter was walking home from school Friday with a friend near the Country Hollow neighborhood entrance when the incident happened.

"I immediately was in protective mode. My older daughter jumped in her car and was looking, the other mother was looking,” she said.

Parents in the Silver Creek community can't believe this happened so close to home.

“I don't think I can actually describe the type of insanity that is, especially to do it in broad daylight around a bunch of people,” said Janson Smalling. "As a dad of daughters, it's really hard because my instinct is to go find this guy, right? I know vigilante justice isn't the thing, but we can't be having that type of thing happening around here."

As word gets out, parents said they're discovering similar instances have happened in the area multiple times this year.

Scroll down to continue reading

More news from KIRO 7

• Bellarmine releases names of 23 priests and brothers accused of sexual abuse
• Police searching for suspect after fatal shooting in Kent
• Seattle man's cyberstalking campaign against former friend and co-worker leads to prison time
• Body of missing Auburn man found in trunk of his car
• Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

“There was another mom that said it happened once in the spring and then twice within 30 minutes on Sept. 5 in the same place and to her daughter. Her daughter was too embarrassed to say anything until the third time it happened,” said Erica.

Now, the Silver Creek community is banding together to get the word out and keep their kids safe.

"This is another opportunity, I think, to teach your kids to be safe and look out for each other, as well,” said Smalling.

Erica said she reported the incident to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. KIRO 7 reached out multiple times Saturday, but has not heard back.

Cox Media Group