GPD: Man flashed private parts to library patron - FOX Carolina 21
Member Center:
He's accused of exposing his private parts inside an Upstate library, and officials say they caught Steve Baker red-handed.
Police arrested Baker Monday at the Greenville County Library Downtown right after the alleged crime.
This is the second reported case of a flasher at this branch in just more than a month. The Greenville Police Department says this trend may have a lot to do with the location. It's downtown, easy to get to, free and it's open to everyone.
They say that attracts all kinds of people through library doors, even some that aren't coming to pick up a book.
Police say it's not clear why Baker visited the library Monday afternoon, but his trip ended with a criminal charge after Greenville officers said he committed a lewd act in front a female patron
"She was seated at a table, he came and sat down a couple of chairs away from her," said GPD Public Information Officer Alia Urps. "He started mumbling to himself, made her feel uncomfortable and when she turned to leave, she did see him exposed."
Officers said the victim did the right thing - she did not confront the man and immediately reported the incident to the circulation desk.
"After she reported it, they in turn notified us, we were able to get him on the scene before he left," said Urps.
A similar incident occurred about a month ago when police say a different man exposed himself to a teen girl inside of the building. Shane Childers, 31, has been charged in that case.
The Greenville County Library System didn't want to comment on camera about the incidents, but said they have a good security staff that's made every effort to keep things under control. They pointed out in both cases the suspect was arrested.
Patrons say the alarming trend will keep their eyes open.
"That's kind of crazy because there's a lot of kids, especially in the summer time, we don't want them to see that," said Roslyn Smith.
But, it won't keep them from hitting the books.
"I don't think people should feel unsafe coming to the library, you kind of get weirdos no matter where you go," said Erin Long.
Baker does have an extensive criminal history. In the past he's faced a list of charges that included drugs, robbery and interfering with police.
Copyright 2012 FOX Carolina (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
 | 
|
