Ladies, have you been bothered by a strange guy on a bike in the park?

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Ladies, have you been bothered by a strange guy on a bike in the park?

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OpossumQueen
rocking it
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 2,526

Sorry, this is going to be kind of long. The short version is I want to know if any other women have experienced this creepy guy on a bike following you around the park, usually after dark. He might be deaf, is small, and might stop to um, pleasure himself.

My friend and I have both been followed by a small male (maybe 5 feet or a little over and thin) on a bike in the park and I think it started during last winter. I think we kind of dismissed him because the men (we think there were two regulars) who masturbated in front of women at off-leash in the morning were so much more invasive. (Repeated attempts were made by some to get the cops to do anything about these guys, one in Long Meadow and one in the Vale of Cashmere).

Anyway, with the recent sexual attacks, we are wondering if this guy is another harasser. My friend has been followed by him a ton when she's walking her dog in Long Meadow anywhere from near to well after dark. He follows you (woman with not many around) on his bike and at times seems to stop to masturbate, though it's dark and hard to see everything. The last time I was being followed by him (walking my dog along Lullwater), he finally ditched me to stop and closely watch two teens that were having sex on the path. We feel that he isn't quite all there--there seems to be no way to really communicate with him.

He doesn't try to hide that he's following you--he stays close, watches you, and even circles around and sticks with you until you leave or go somewhere crowded. We've never been able to find a cop nearby when this is happening and aren't sure it calls for a 911 call.

If this is happening to other women (and it surely is), maybe we can all get together and get the cops to do something about it. He doesn't seem totally harmless.

# Posted 1 yr ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Have someone take his picture, then give it the police may force them to act.

Be ready to sign a complaint.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 1 yr ago
OpossumQueen
rocking it
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 2,526

It's been hard to get his picture. Very dark out, scared to actually get that close to him...but worth trying harder. Maybe taking an actual camera out instead of just our phones.

As for the morning, out in the open masturbators, the police just kept saying they would only do something if they caught them in the act.

# Posted 1 yr ago
armchair_warrior
retsop cixelsyd
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 7,946

If its light out, just scream bloody rape and other things to get people to come.

Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).

# Posted 1 yr ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

The trick to taking a criminals picture is to be the crazy picture taking person. Let him see you taking pictures of everything (benches, grass, trees, bikes, etc) before you take his.

Standing and then turning 15 degrees then taking a picture (repeat until you have done a full circle) also works.

If you do it right, he will be slightly perplexed or scared by YOU. Innovate, but stay safe. Have another person with you for extra safety.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 1 yr ago
OpossumQueen
rocking it
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 2,526

I don't want to really deal with him myself. I'm just hoping to get some other women who have been followed so maybe we can get together and file complaints. I'd like to be rid of him so we can feel safer when out alone with our dogs before he gets more bold with his actions. I feel like right now, we don't have enough for the cops to care (based on our morning masturbator experiences) but in light of the recent attacks, I think a handful of women all complaining about this could make them respond.

As for just hanging around taking pictures, etc. that would just make me feel like more of a target for this other crazy guy who seems to never leave the park (and seems to be recognizing me now) and that I run into EVERY time go into Prospect Park, be it 6am or 10pm.

We both agree that even if the guy crossed a line and was maced, he doesn't seem like he would respond very normally or be deterred.

# Posted 1 yr ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Getting a bunch of women to file complaints is good, but you may also need to be prepared to eliminate any excuse the police come up with.

Realize that a low level offense such as this is unlikely to result in any jail time, but the hassle of spending a night in jail may get him to masturbate somewhere else. ...or at least make him to known to the police if (and when) he ever commits a more serious offense.

So, anticipate some disinterest from the 78th pct and make it easy for them: Give them a clear picture of him and state something like "he is always wearing this jacket".

Be ready to do a lot of the legwork yourself:

-Consider going into the pct and personally meeting with an officer, as opposed to having the officer come to you.

-Once you (and others) have filed a complaint(s), do not depend on the police to give to each other on their own. Make copies of the compliant(s) and the picture and politely give it along with his photo to every cop and Park Enforcement you see when you are in the park. If other women make a complaints, make sure they do the same.

This process makes the police put a face on both the criminal and the victims, and assures them that you (and the other victims) will follow through with identifying him.

....You aren't simply filing complaint and expecting them to handle it from there. You are making sure that the officers who patrol the park all know about it, and doing your best to make yourself look helpful to them in doing their jobs. You are also holding them accountable.

If they still seem uninterested, try to get a local politician involved.

(Readers, whynot and Opposum Queen both have dogs and know each other)

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 1 yr ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

Based on another post here about an uptick in police activity in Park Slope, I say that the next time this creep follows you or approaches you--call 911. I'm sure the cops would be there in an instant.

# Posted 1 yr ago
veets
rocking it
Joined: Feb '07
Posts: 2,535

OpposumQueen.. I don't get up early enuf to walk the dogs in the park before the sun comes up. I don't have any suggestions other than to say that some of what has been suggested makes sense. And be a little encouraged with the understanding that the police presence in the park is likely to be great with all going on but don't reply on that probability. I understand your reluctance if you have no back up. Whynot's suggestion seem to be on target.

Crazily I am almost happy top read a post with a "real" problem and someone asking for input... as opposed to "whatever."

# Posted 1 yr ago
armchair_warrior
retsop cixelsyd
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 7,946

also if you aren't afraid mace his face and kick him in the balls.

Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).

# Posted 1 yr ago
OpossumQueen
rocking it
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 2,526

Well, we've found another woman he has been bothering and she confirmed that he is definitely deaf.

# Posted 1 yr ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

I predict he is known to the officers in the park and the mental health "system".

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 1 yr ago
8thandPrez
Stroller Person
Joined: Sep '05
Posts: 1,274

Why not pepper spray him? I'm not being flippant, but if this is a repeated pattern and the guy is brazen enough to do something threatening like actually circle you on his bike, perhaps you can line up a quick exit from the park and then spray him if he gets close to you. Calling the cops is all well and good, but the guy clearly can disappear on his bike before the cops arrive. Taking pix would be tough if the light is dim. Assert your right to use the park and take this creep down.

# Posted 1 yr ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

With all the news about the rapist(s) in the area, you might find that the police are more likely to respond to a call.

# Posted 1 yr ago
canyontothesky
getting it
Joined: May '09
Posts: 218

I'd advise against pepper spraying people when not in self-defense. I was told, though I haven't verified this, that you are technically required to go to a precinct and register your pepper spray ownership. Maybe it's not that big of a deal, but perhaps you could be in trouble if you used it flippantly (despite 8thandPrez saying otherwise).

# Posted 1 yr ago
Salix
getting it
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 140

OpossumQueen,
This reminds me of a situation in PP back in the day (before fencing & all that)where an early morning masturbator on the hill behind the Kettle Ponds was set upon by several women waving tree branches & screaming at him. He left & stayed away. Of course we gave him time to leave as we moved up the hill, but it was a sufficiently negative experience so that he went elsewhere.
Your situation may be a bit different, but I would suggest a vigorous movement (purposeful stride, not a rush) toward the individual and a camera combined with a "following" of him, preferably by more than one individual, might be enough to effect a chance of range. Sometimes simply shifting from the followed to the follower is sufficient to project implied control over your own space. Of course you must be the judge of your own parameters of safety. But trying to think like a territorial animal may help with an individual who is not cued with more common societal triggers. And definitely contact the 72nd precinct's C-POP officer. There may well be some medical/social intervention possible.

# Posted 1 yr ago
OpossumQueen
rocking it
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 2,526

The morning masturbators just seem like creeps, but not scary. He's normal enough that our dogs go sniff him (the Long Meadow one, who hasn't been around for a while) and my dog is not friendly to most weirdos. So yes, we have gone towards him, we've yelled at him, to no avail. I've seen plenty of moms with their kids playing not 20 feet from him doing his business with them seemingly unaware of him under a nearby tree. Maybe he's found somewhere else to do this, but the cops made it clear they weren't going to be of any help.

The bike guy, on the other hand, is not just a pervert. He's definitely mentally "off". None of us are going to spray him for just following us, no matter how uncomfortable it makes us feel. We've been talking about getting some of our male friends to go out with us when the guy is there and have them kind of lurking so that he doesn't see them, but that we don't feel alone while trying to get close enough to take a picture in the dark.

It's just frustrating. I've been going to Prospect Park daily for 6+ years, day and night. For part of that time I've had a dog and during the day, I've ventured to pretty much all accessible parts of the park (I don't climb the fences) and at night I've felt pretty safe on the main, lit paths. But in 2011, this bike guy and another man (very large so more naturally threatening) who seems to live there and does questionable things, have made me feel actually scared at times to be in the park when previously I wasn't. They haven't done anything directly to me (thought the large mean has had my confident dog running away, tail tucked, at off-leash) so it's just a hard situation with no clear solutions.

I'm still hoping to find some more women who have encountered him--power in numbers?

# Posted 1 yr ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Try reaching out to websites and listsevs besides this one.
Park slope parents
FIDO
Prospect peleton bike group
Etc

I predict you will find other women who he is subjecting this to.

I've reached out to the mental health workers I know who cover the park, and will let you know if I hear anything.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 1 yr ago
8thandPrez
Stroller Person
Joined: Sep '05
Posts: 1,274

Sorry if my suggestion seemed off... I'm a guy, so my inclination is to confront and take back our space from these freaks. I really can't believe that people are so casually talking about dog run masturbators... these people wouldn't feel comfortable doing what they do if they were confronted, photographed, yelled at, pepper sprayed.

Here's what I found re: pepper spray

New York State Penal Law
Exemption of Weapons Law §265.
Sale of "self-defense spray device"

Section §265.20

14. Possession in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph of a self-defense spray device as defined herein for the protection of a person or property and use of such self-defense spray device under circumstances which would justify the use of physical force pursuant to article thirty-five of this chapter.
(a) As used in this section "self-defense spray device" shall mean a pocket sized spray device which contains and releases a chemical or organic substance which is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air or any like device containing pepper or similar disabling agent.
(b) The exemption under this paragraph shall not apply to a person who:
(i) is less than eighteen years of age; or
(ii) has been previously convicted in this state of a felony or any assault; or
(iii) has been convicted of a crime outside the state of New York which if committed in New York would constitute a felony or any assault crime.
(c) The department of health, with the cooperation of the division of criminal justice services and the superintendent of state police, shall develop standards and promulgate regulations regarding the type of self- defense spray device which may lawfully be purchased, possessed and used pursuant to this paragraph. The regulations shall include a requirement that every self-defense spray device which may be lawfully purchased, possessed or used pursuant to this paragraph have a label which states:

"WARNING: The use of this substance or device for any purpose other than self-defense is a criminal offense under the law. The contents are dangerous - use with care. This device shall not be sold by anyone other than a licensed or authorized dealer. Possession of this device by any person under the age of eighteen or by anyone who has been convicted of a felony or assault is illegal."

15. Possession and sale of a self-defense spray device as defined in paragraph fourteen of this subdivision by a dealer in firearms licensed pursuant to section 400.00 of this chapter, a pharmacist licensed pursuant to article one hundred thirty-seven of the education law or by such other vendor as may be authorized and approved by the superintendent of state police.
(a) Every self-defense spray device shall be accompanied by an insert or inserts which include directions for use, first aid information, safety and storage information and which shall also contain a toll free telephone number for the purpose of allowing any purchaser to call and receive additional information regarding the availability of local courses in self-defense training and safety in the use of a self-defense spray device.
(b) Before delivering a self-defense spray device to any person, the licensed or authorized dealer shall require proof of age and a sworn statement on a form approved by the superintendent of state police that such person has not been convicted of a felony or any crime involving an assault. Such forms shall be forwarded to the division of state police at such intervals as directed by the superintendent of state police. Absent any such direction the forms shall be maintained on the premises of the vendor and shall be open at all reasonable hours for inspection by any peace officer or police officer, acting pursuant to his or her special duties. No more than two self-defense spray devices may be sold at any one time to a single purchaser.

# Posted 1 yr ago
OpossumQueen
rocking it
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 2,526

There was a day when I was walking my dog and a woman jogging alone came up to me, horrified, and said, "I just wanted to let you know that there is a man back there masturbating." My response was something along the lines of, "Yeah, he's always out here." That was when I realized how horribly accustomed to such grossness I'd become.

If you're wondering how our overall interactions with the off-leash masturbator went, here are some details below.

Friends and I (often in groups) have approached, yelled at, let our dogs run at (but that doesn't do much good b/c he seems to like dogs and our dogs aren't actually trained to be aggressive) the main morning guy and he seems to like the attention. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just looking at the leaves." He would wear a really long shirt and just drop it over his junk if someone called him out or a dude was around.

The cops said they had to catch him in the act to do anything. This was during a time that they often had not one, but THREE officers working undercover in Prospect Park many days to write tickets for dog's being off-leash after 9am. My friend with an ancient dog sleeping at his feet got a ticket at 9:10 by them, yet they couldn't send one of those officers after the masturbator? I guess there's no money in going after such offenders.

There was one female officer that seemed to care. A friend had just seen the Vale of Cashmere self-pleasurer when she saw some cops and told them, as she often did, where he was. This female cop got all excited to try to catch him. We're not sure what happened but were glad someone finally showed some interest in it.

# Posted 1 yr ago
canyontothesky
getting it
Joined: May '09
Posts: 218

Just coming back to say that I misremembered what I was told. As it says in the info 8thandPrez posted, when you buy pepper spray, you're now required to give a photo ID which is given to the police for files, but you aren't required to go to the police yourself. This is a new thing, I think, because when I bought mine, no registration was needed.

# Posted 1 yr ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

one park masturbator arrested:

http://networkedblogs.com/pzKOH

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 1 yr ago