A routine Monday afternoon at Old Mill Park turned disturbing when a man allegedly exposed himself to at least two women near a Vickery Creek trail, rattling regulars who say the popular Roswell spot usually feels safe.
Parkgoers quickly alerted authorities, and the Roswell Police Department worked with National Park Service personnel to track down a suspect. He was taken into custody near the scene. Officials have not released his name or the specific charges he may face.
What happened
The incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m. near a trail marker identified by visitors as VC-19, after multiple women reported the indecent exposure. Roswell police assisted National Park Service staff in locating and arresting the man, according to law-enforcement confirmation and earlier reporting from FOX 5 Atlanta.
Visitors speak out
Regulars at Old Mill Park say the arrest was a jarring reminder that even familiar trails are not risk-free.
"I'm surprised, because I've never had any problems and I've been coming here for years," Katrina Lurns told reporters. Another visitor, Susan Bohm, said the incident reinforces her habit of hiking cautiously: "I try not to come here alone." Both women spoke to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Park jurisdiction and safety
Because this stretch of Vickery Creek sits inside land managed by the National Park Service, both park rangers and city officers can be involved when something goes wrong.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area reminds visitors that for non-emergency law enforcement concerns that do not involve an immediate threat to health or safety, people should call 770-992-6585. For anything urgent or life-threatening, officials say to dial 911. More details are listed on the park's official site at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Legal context
Under Georgia law, public indecency (OCGA § 16-6-8) includes a "lewd exposure of the sexual organs," a definition often cited in exposure cases. Prosecutors decide whether and how to charge a suspect after reviewing reports and evidence, and authorities in this case have not yet made those charging decisions public.
For background on how courts have interpreted the statute, see FindLaw.
If you were there
Anyone who saw the incident or has relevant photos, video, or information is urged to contact the Roswell Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergency law enforcement assistance within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the National Park Service lists 770-992-6585 as its contact number.
This story will be updated if authorities release the suspect's name or specifics on any charges filed.
