BRIDGEPORT, ONONDAGA CO. -- Cicero Police are on the lookout for a suspicious man who reportedly flashed a young girl Sunday evening.
According to a report from police, around 6:50 p.m. a large red pickup truck drove past an 8-year-old girl on Areopagitica Avenue in Bridgeport. Police say the truck pulled over to the side of the road near the girl, and the driver exited the vehicle. The man reportedly pulled his pants and underwear down and exposed himself to the girl, who ran to a nearby home and banged on the door until the resident let her inside.
Police say the male was reported to be in his 40s or 50s with a heavyset build. They say that the man did not try to speak to the girl or touch her, and that the victim had never seen the suspect before.
The man’s truck is described as a red older model extended-cab pickup, with a clear light over the passenger side and an orange light over the driver’s side. There was a small window behind the driver’s side door, and the truck has a white license plate. The exact plate digits were not listed by police, who say a check of the vicinity did not turn up the vehicle.
Neighbors say they are concerned about the situation. Michael Hemingway has lived in the neighborhood for nearly 30 years. He has a nine year-old daughter, and says he's not letting her out of his sight.
"She won't be going outside without some adults around," Hemingway says. "She won't be walking down about 8 houses where her friends live. I won't let her do that by herself now."
Dick Coomey is also a longtime resident. His daughter and grandchildren live in the neighborhood. The alleged incident has caused him to keep an extra careful eye on the area, and he says he'll be on the lookout for the perpetrator.
"I'll be looking for that character, and if he's spotted again, cellphone, call the police," Coomey says.
Police say that they are following a couple of leads brought to their attention but are still looking for help. Anyone who has information on the driver or truck in this case should call 911 immediately.
