CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People who use a south Charlotte greenway are asking the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for help after multiple reports of a man exposing himself. People told WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker it's been happening for weeks.
For some, the Four Mile Creek Greenway in south Charlotte is a place to unwind. But right now, their place of peace has been interrupted.
In the last 48 hours, CMPD said they've had a slew of calls about the man exposing himself in front of others in the public area.
Angel Kuchinski walks the greenway all the time and said it's a situation that's personal.
“I’m just concerned because there are a lot of young girls," Kuchinski said. “It’s the first thing I thought about. It happened to me when I was 10 years old and I’ll never forget it.”
CMPD said it is aware of the issue and sent WCNC Charlotte the following statement:
"CMPD’s goal is for residents and visitors in our community to be able to safely enjoy all of the parks and greenways that the city has to offer. Officers actively patrol greenway access points, parking lots and trails utilizing dual sport motorcycles, bicycles, ATVs and utility vehicles. CMPD also partners with the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department to increase security and visibility with maintenance crews and park patrols. Additionally, CMPD’s Public Affairs Office has released multiple awareness videos to the public that include tips and important safety information for greenway and park visitors. We ask that you please follow the tips that we have provided."
Sexual assaults and indecent exposure reports are not uncommon for Mecklenburg County greenways. In the past three months CMPD has addressed a slew of investigations on greenways, including two at McAlpine Creek Greenway -- one in July and one in August.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.