Flasher is cause for CatAlert

A man exposed himself to a woman running on the bike path near the UVM farm on Spear Street Nov. 3, according to UVM police services.

“The majority of reports we have relating to sexual misconduct are sexual assault,” Deputy Chief of UVM police services Tim Bilodeau said. “As far as someone exposing themselves, we haven’t had that happen on campus in quite some time. Maybe a decade.”

The man was reportedly blocking the bike path, but the victim was able to move around him, according to a CatAlert sent at 8:44 p.m.

South Burlington Police received a report at 4:39 p.m. Nov. 3, of a man exposing himself to a female on the South Burlington Recreational path. The incident occurred near the UVM farm on Spear Street. COURTNEY CUNNINGHAM/The Vermont Cynic
[/media-credit] South Burlington Police received a report at 4:39 p.m. Nov. 3, of a man exposing himself to a female on the South Burlington Recreational path. The incident occurred near the UVM farm on Spear Street. COURTNEY CUNNINGHAM/The Vermont Cynic
Students who run the path said it’s peaceful.

“I run the path weekly, and I’ve never seen anything like that,” junior Dakota Greenblatt said.

The suspect was described as a white male between 18 and 20 years old, 5-foot-7 to 5-foot- 9 with a thin build, and red- dish-brown, straight hair that fell to his jawline, according to the CatAlert.

“These type of incidents really take team approaches to investigate,” Bilodeau said. “It’s not just police services.”

“Students who experience incidents like this need to get the information to our team who works with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations,” he said.

The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations is a multi-team task force that works and trains to handle incidents like this, Bilodeau said.

“It’s important for students to remember they are not alone,” he said.

Bilodeau emphasized the importance of talking to the police in situations like this. “People need to remain aware of their surroundings,” Bilodeau said. “If you find yourself in that circumstance, the offender is always at fault, but it’s important to be a good witness. If you see something, say something.”

Bilodeau said that handling these situations requires good communication between the public and the police.

People who might know about the incident are encouraged to contact police services at 802-656-3473.