West Seattle school heightening security after a flasher strikes again
SEATTLE -- A man exposed himself to at least one student in the driveway of Holy Rosary School just after noon Tuesday in West Seattle, according to officials.
The man appeared in a white car on 41st Ave SW around 12:30 and jumped out of the car at the school's gates. According to an e-mail sent to parents from the school's principal, the flasher exposed himself to a child, then jumped back into his car and drove away.
Administrators say they called police, and also informed the child's parents.
The suspect escaped and there was no description of the man.
As parents picked up their children from school Tuesday afternoon, many expressed concern that this isn't the first time something like this has happened.
"It’s a little overwhelming this has been going on for quite some time," said Steve Yanak, a father with two kids. "This is not the first episode this has happened, and I just wish we could get a handle on it. "
Rachel Bush, a fifth grader, said her friend is the one who saw the man.
"It's happened a couple of times, so it's really scary," said Bush.
There has been at least three cases of indecent exposure near Holy Rosary. Students reported seeing a man exposing himself near the school's playground in September of 2013 and 2014 as well.
Seattle Police are investigating whether these cases are connected. Psychologist Gregory Jantz fears if someone isn't caught soon, the flashing could escalate to more dangerous behavior.
"What we’re talking about can be a very addictive voyeuristic pattern," said Jantz. "We know this is progressive, and it’s like an addiction and there’s going to be more acting out."