Sanford Police: Unknown suspicious man may have exposed himself to kids at park

Suspicious man may have exposed himself to kids at park, police say

Sanford police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of approaching two children at a city park and making vulgar comments.

SANFORD, Fla. - Sanford police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of approaching two children at a city park and making vulgar comments.

The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on March 1 at Mike Kirby Park, located at 2199 Oregon Ave., according to the Sanford Police Department. 

The backstory:

A woman called police to report a suspicious man at the park. According to the police report, the children told the woman that the man tried to show his "private part" to one of the kids and also told them to touch it. 

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The woman told police she took out her phone and started recording when she saw the man running toward the park exit.

According to the police report, the man continued running along Oregon Avenue toward The Retreat at Twin Lakes apartment complex nearby. 

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The woman described the suspect as a white man with black hair and a small build. He was wearing a tan zip sweater and maroon pajama pants. 

What they're saying:

Jill Mraidi told FOX 35 that she was at the park watching one child on the swings and another playing football when her son approached her appearing frightened. 

She said she noticed a man with black hair walking alongside him before creating distance.

"My son started walking over to me, but he was walking very hesitantly," Mraidi said. "I asked him, ‘Are you OK? Do you feel safe right now?’ And he goes, ‘No, that guy’s weird.’"

Investigators said they have recovered a Minute Maid bottle for DNA testing and are reviewing witness video as the search continues. 

What you can do:

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Sanford Police Department. Residents in the area of The Retreat at Twin Lakes are also asked to review surveillance footage that may help identify the suspect and share any relevant video with investigators.