Alexandria Police Investigating Indecent Exposure Incident at Duncan Library

Alexandria police are investigating an indecent exposure incident that was reported at 7:39 p.m. Aug. 28 at Duncan Library.

A 35-year-old female victim reported an unknown male exposed himself to her inside the library, which is located and 5201 Commonwealth Ave. in Del Ray. The incident was reported at 7:39 p.m.

Police responded to the scene after the suspect had left the immediate area.

Alexandria Police Department Spokesperson Ashley Hildebrandt said no other similar incidents have been recently reported in the area, but the department wanted to get word out about the Aug. 28 incident because of Duncan Library’s proximity to Mount Vernon Community School and Recreation Center.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the APD’s Criminal Investigations Section at 703-746-6711. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

In response to the incident, Alexandria police offer the following tips to prevent these types of crimes:

• Always walk in well-lit and well-traveled areas.
• Whenever possible walk with others.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Call 911 immediately if you see something suspicious or are involved in a crime. 

With the new school year underway in Alexandria, police are also encouraging parents to talk with their children about personal safety, including the following tips:

• Map out a safe way for them to walk to school or to the bus stop. Avoid busy roads and intersections. Do a trial run with them to point out places they should avoid along the way, such as vacant lots, construction areas, and parks where there are not many people.
• Encourage them to walk to school or the bus stop with a sibling or friend, and to wait at bus stops with other children.
• Teach children not to talk to strangers, go anywhere with them, or accept gifts from them without your permission. Tell them that if they see a suspicious stranger hanging around or in their school, they should tell an adult.
• Help children memorize their phone number and full address, including area code and zip code. Write down other important phone numbers such as your work and cell phone on a card for your children to carry with them