Police investigate reports of lewd acts in Central Park

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

The stone bridge in Schenectady's Central Park Rose Garden in 2016.

SCHENECTADY — The Police Department is investigating reports of a man committing lewd acts in and near Central Park, including one from Thursday morning.

Police have received multiple reports of a man harassing people in the park and then masturbating publicly, police said in a release.

Police do not believe the man has had any physical contact with anyone. However, reports have indicated he’ll yell or create noise to gain a passerby’s attention and then he’ll engage in the lewd acts, police said.

The department is investigating a sighting of the man in the wooded area of Central Park near the intersection of Woodland Avenue and Central Parkway about 7 a.m. Thursday.

Police are giving increased attention to the park as the investigation continues, they said.

“With schools now open, the department is asking for the public to remain vigilant and be conscious of your children’s safety as they travel to and from school,” police said in a news release. “If you observe a male engaged in this behavior, please do not approach him. Call police immediately and provide dispatchers with the male’s description (clothing, age, etc), location and direction of travel.”