Philadelphia police are actively seeking a suspect who allegedly performed a lewd act outside a Northeast Philadelphia daycare center on Monday afternoon. According to multiple witnesses, the man approached a front window of the facility and began the indecent behavior while children were present.
Witnesses describe the incident
Daycare employee Minesly Martinez said she immediately confronted the individual, opening the door and telling him, “You don’t do that, that’s nasty!” A second employee, who asked to remain unnamed, said toddlers as young as one and two years old were looking through the window at the time and had no understanding of what they were seeing.
Surveillance footage captured the suspect fleeing the scene, but witnesses reported that he returned moments later. Martinez described the man as becoming aggressive, forcing his way toward the door before retreating to the back of the building. “It was scary, especially for the kids because we have newborns here,” she said. “We are adults and we know what to do, but we were more afraid for the children.”
Security measures and police response
Martinez confirmed that both the front and back doors of the daycare were locked at the time of the incident, and the suspect never entered the interior of the building. After the second encounter, the man pounded on the windows for several seconds before leaving the area. No physical injuries were reported.
Employees at the daycare and nearby centers expressed concern for the safety of the children in the neighborhood, urging law enforcement to make an arrest quickly. “We have to get this guy off the streets because he’s a danger, not just for us but for other kids,” Martinez said.
Police investigation
The Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit is handling the investigation. Authorities are asking anyone who saw the suspect or has any information about his identity or whereabouts to contact the police department immediately.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in protecting our youngest citizens. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior near schools, daycares, and other child‑focused facilities.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
