A rural Motley man posing as a newspaper reporter allegedly exposed himself to four Verndale students during the Pirates' Homecoming football game Oct. 10.
Verndale Police Chief Jeff Jares said the man exposed himself to junior high students. Verndale High School Principal Paul Brownlow said in a statement on the school's Web site that the man claimed to be "a reporter writing an article on small town football teams."
"During the conversation with these four Verndale students, he pulled down his pants and exposed his underwear to them," Brownlow wrote. "He also hugged two of the students. Before he left, he asked the students to help him find his car because he was lost. Fortunately, the students walked away and did not go with him to his vehicle. The students did note that he was intoxicated."
Jares said cooperation from many people quickly led police the man.
"Acting on tips from the students, staff members, administration, parents, and business owners the police were able to identify the man," Jares said in a statement. "He was questioned at his residence south of Motley and was cooperative with the Verndale officer."
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Brownlow said safety rules were reviewed with students.
"All students and staff in our school were notified of the incident and reminded of the safety precautions that must be taken at all times," he said. "During the kindergarten through third grade assembly and the fourth through sixth grade assembly, we talked to the students about 'Stranger Danger.' Please go over these safety precautions with your child(ren), especially with Halloween coming up soon."
Jares said charges are pending against the man, but had not been filed as of Tuesday afternoon. Once charges are filed, the man's name will be released.
Brownlow posted an update to parents on the Web site after the man had been located.
"The Verndale Police Department has spoken to the individual suspected in the incident that took place at Friday night's Homecoming football game," Brownlow wrote. "At this time he is cooperating with the authorities and there is no immediate danger to the students."
