FALMOUTH Maine — Police are investigating two reported incidents of a man exposing himself and masturbating when near female hikers at Blackstrap Hill Preserve on the West Branch of the Piscataqua River.
The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s, approximately 6 feet tall, 180 pounds and with a medium build. He was reportedly wearing a dark, knit hat.
Late in the afternoon on Sept. 15 and again on Tuesday, adult women hikers reportedly saw the man along the extensive trail system, Falmouth Police Sgt. George Savidge said Thursday.
Police posted warnings about the incidents at each entrance to the trail system, Savidge said.
“We’re concerned about it, obviously,” he said. “It will continue or it will escalate. We don’t want to alarm anyone, but obviously we want people to be aware. We hope we’ll get someone who sees the suspect or a car and get a plate.”
Each time, the hikers followed the man attempting to get his license plate number, but Savidge said police are not encouraging others to do the same.
“We don’t know what this person is up to or about or if are they dangerous,” he said. “But if they can, from a distance, get a clothing description and a licence plate number.”
Police ask anyone who sees suspicious behavior in the area to contact the department at 781-2300 or by calling 911.