A series of unsettling incidents at several stores in Montgomery County has led to the arrest of a Bryn Mawr man. Lawrence Ansley, 47, has been charged with indecent exposure, harassment, and disorderly conduct, following reports of him exposing himself in public spaces.
According to a 6ABC report, the suspect allegedly committed lewd acts including pleasuring himself under his pants at a Target store at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday. Witnesses also reported an encounter at a TJ Maxx in Wayne a few days prior, on Friday, when a man, now identified as Ansley, was supposedly seen engaging in similar behavior.
One victim, a 19-year-old woman, recounted her disturbing experience at Macy's in the King of Prussia Mall. "I'm really disturbed. I really, honestly, don't even feel like I want to leave the house anymore," she told 6ABC. The woman was able to capture a video of the man's lewd behavior as he had been following her around the store. She described Ansley as sick and especially distressing was the fact that he was found in the children's department at the time.
An arrest finally came after inter-agency cooperation between Radnor and Upper Merion police departments. "They saw his vehicle earlier in the day. Then they saw him traveling down a roadway nearby the last known residence and they were able to conduct a traffic stop and take into custody," Sgt. Brady McHale told PHL17. Surveillance footage played a key role in identifying the suspect, who sported distinctive gold-rimmed glasses.
Currently, Ansley is being held at the George Hill Correctional Facility with bail set at $50,000. The authorities have urged anyone who recognizes Ansley or has been a victim of similar crimes to come forward. The Radnor Township Police Department is actively seeking additional information related to these incidents and can be contacted at 610-688-5600, as noted in The Times Herald.
