A Raleigh mother says what should have been a routine afternoon walk at Biltmore Hills Park turned into a disturbing encounter on Monday, after a man allegedly exposed himself and began touching himself behind her on the trail. She says the incident left her shaken, on the phone with 911, and planning to skip the park entirely when she is with her child. The report has stirred new anxiety among regulars at Raleigh's parks and greenways.
Mysetta Alston told WRAL News she realized a man behind her "was exposed and touching himself" as she walked. She said she called 911 once she understood what was happening. "That's basically sexual assault," Alston said, according to the report, adding that she did not have her daughter with her at the time. Raleigh police told WRAL they are investigating.
According to the City of Raleigh, Biltmore Hills Park features playgrounds, a paved walking trail and a community center at 2615 Fitzgerald Drive. The city notes that parks are generally open from dawn to dusk, which helps make the park a regular stop for families and neighborhood walkers and runners.
Recent Trouble On Raleigh Parks And Trails
Alston's account comes on the heels of other indecent-exposure reports in Raleigh. In November, runners said they were flashed along the Crabtree Creek Trail. As WRAL News reported at the time, Raleigh police said officers have been increasing patrols on greenways and in parks, but cautioned they "cannot be everywhere at once" and urged people to call 911 and report suspicious behavior.
Alston told WRAL she did not see any security staff at Biltmore Hills Park during the incident and said she hoped officials would respond more quickly. Neighbors and park regulars said the episode is a reminder to bring a companion when possible or at least let someone know your route. Anyone with information about the incident was urged to contact Raleigh police or Crimestoppers.
