Arlington police arrested a 39-year-old man on Thursday, June 18, after students reported that he exposed himself in a parked SUV near Arlington High School while returning from lunch. The suspect, identified by police as Luis Boston, is charged with open and gross lewdness. Police said the vehicle was parked off school property on Massachusetts Avenue.
Shortly before noon on Friday, June 12, students returning to Arlington High reported the incident on Massachusetts Avenue, according to Boston.com. Officers responding to the area were initially unable to locate the dark-colored SUV, but “through an extensive investigation” they identified the vehicle and its owner, which led to Boston’s arrest, the outlet reported.
Police: Second Student Reported Separate Incident
Arlington police said in an Arlington Police statement that a second student later came forward to report a separate encounter involving the same suspect. Investigators said they relied on witness descriptions and vehicle-registration information to trace the SUV’s owner.
What the Charge Means
Under Massachusetts law, open and gross lewdness is treated more seriously than a simple indecent-exposure misdemeanor and typically requires proof that the conduct caused alarm or shock. The offense can be prosecuted as a felony and carries the potential for up to three years in state prison. For background on the statute and jury instructions, see the Commonwealth’s guidance on open and gross lewdness at Mass.gov.
Where It Happened
Reports place the encounter on Massachusetts Avenue, a busy corridor that runs past Arlington High School at 869 Massachusetts Ave. The school website lists that address for the campus, and town and police statements say the vehicle was not on school property.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Arlington Police. The department’s resources page lists non-emergency and dispatch numbers, along with guidance on reporting tips and community safety programs. Arlington Police resources provides contact details.
