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TOP STORY OF THE DAY Brought to you FREE by WICU: BPD provides personal safety tips after recent Public Indecency investigation
The recent arrest of a Brazil man for allegations of public indecency and nudity has law enforcement providing personal safety tips.
According to Brazil Police Department Assistant Police Chief Dennis Archer, everyone should remain vigilant about their personal safety in these difficult times.
“Stay aware of your surroundings, and try to keep updated on recent crimes in the area,” said Archer, who urges people not to let their guard down regardless of where they are and listen to their gut feelings because it might not be safe. “Stay calm if something doesn’t feel right, and take action to be safe and get out of the situation quickly.”
On Thursday, Terry W. Williams, 59, Brazil, was arrested on a warrant issued out ofo Clay Superior Court for felony Public Indecency and misdemeanor Public nudity. Williams was booked into the Clay County Justice Center on the charges and is currently awaiting formal court proceedings with a $7,000 cash bond with no 10 percent allowed.
Officials confirm the warrant was issued after an unidentified woman reported an incident occurred sometime late Saturday night into early Sunday morning involving Williams this past weekend.
Preliminary details released about the subsequent investigation cite Williams was seated near the victim’s vehicle parked at a local bar. When the woman went into the business, Williams allegedly followed and took a seat near her to fondle and ultimately expose himself. Upset, the woman left that bar and went to another, where Williams proceeded to follow again. The victim took a photo of him with her cellphone and reported Williams was following her.
Williams was escorted out of the bar.
BPD Detectives began an investigation after the woman reported the incident Sunday afternoon. A case report was provided to the Prosecutor’s Office with the arrest warrant issued for level 6 felony Public Indeeny with a prior conviction, and B misdemeanor Public nudity on Wednesday. Williams was taken into custody later that afternoon.
Archer said public nudity is reported once in a while, but not all incidents are public indecency, such as breastfeeding. However, in this case, Archer said the woman did the right thing by removing herself from the situation.
“Report an indecent exposure immediately by dialing 911 or call dispatch at (812) 446-2211,” he said.
“Stranger Danger” apparently is not just for children anymore, and learning about “People Smarts” could be valuable for everyone.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports 421,394 missing children were reported to law enforcement and entered into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center in 2019. So talking to children about their safety is vital. However, it’s a harsh world right now, and adults need to pay attention to the tips they provide their children, which is where “People Smarts” comes in.
Many of the talking points parents are having with their children should be taken seriously for their protection, including these:
• Children have difficulty understanding the concept of “stranger,” but adults can also be too trusting of others and don’t always have to “be nice.”
• Children are taught not to accept rides from strangers, get in a strange car, or open the door to a stranger when home alone, which is good advice for adults.
• Children are told to travel in pairs or with a friend, which adults should also consider as an option, especially when going to unfamiliar places or out at night.
If you experience this situation, be prepared to provide the best possible information and any evidence you might have - like pictures - to law enforcement.
To report mischievous or suspicious activity in Brazil, contact the Brazil City Police Department's direct line at (812) 446-2211.
To report activity in the county, contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Department dispatch center at 812-446-2535, extension 5, or dial 911 to report an emergency or a crime in progress.