Flasher on the trail - how to survive indecent exposure by an exhibitionist

June 16, 6:22 PMPortland Walking ExaminerWendy Bumgardner

Previous Next

2 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Portland Walking Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Insert photo caption or credit here

A registered sex offender was reported to be displaying and fondling himself on the popular Springwater Trail near OMSI in Portland, Oregon on June 11. Officers could only cite Brian Letiecq for suspicion of disorderly conduct as there were no witnesses in the area when they arrived.

How should walkers, runners, and bikers react when they encounter a flasher or exhibitionist on the trail?  In a city where former mayor Bud Clark was first famous for his "Expose Yourself to Art" poster, are flashers dangerous?

Pamela Kulbarsh, RN MSW and Psychiatric Emergency Response Team leader in southern California offered her advice.

How should walkers and joggers react when they see someone exposing himself along their walking/biking route?

"Most exhibitionists are not violent, however, anyone who presents on a trail and is watching someone certainly has the potential for violence.  Always stay wary, in case he is one of the small percentage who try to accost people."

Should you run and scream?

"Run and scream - it may make him choose another trail."

Should you call 911?

"Always call 911.  Insist that law enforcement follow-up on incidents, hound them if you have to. Avoid any trail that has not been deemed safe by police."

What if he grabs you?

"If grabbed, and you are not strong enough to fight effectively, fake a seizure, wet yourself, etc. That will frequently burst the fantasy of an attacker."

Should you defend yourself with a weapon?

 "Unless you are an expert shot, and are totally prepared to shoot the guy, after being tired from running or walking, do not pull out your gun," said Kulbarsh.

The best defense is staying out of the grasp of a perpetrator by swift departure from the area - running away.  While Oregon issues many concealed carry permits, gun owners may only display and use their weapon if they are in immediate fear of their life.  Observing an exhibitionist who does not attempt to accost you is not a justification to make your weapon visible (brandishing) or to use it.

Bare Buns Fun Runs - Safe Exhibitionists?

By Oregon law, simply being naked in public without intent to arose others is not a crime. Naturist runners schedule several clothing optional runs in the Portland area each year.  The Fig Leif 5K blog lists the calendar of clothing optional runs through summer of 2009.