Glen Rock PD: Social Media Stirred ‘Unnecessary' Panic, Fear

GLEN ROCK, NJ – After Glen Rock police fielded a report of a man exposing himself to two women Tuesday, news of the incident hit social media and stirred “unnecessary panic and fear” within the township, according to the department.

It also spurred “several false reports” and prompted police to use their own social media account on Wednesday morning to “dispel some rumors and try to calm the situation.”

On Tuesday, police received a report that a man driving a silver sport utility vehicle exposed himself to two women walking their dogs on Cornwall Road, near Glen Rock High School.

According to police, they have identified the man, who is someone they have “dealt with in the past on completely unrelated issues” and have spoken with his family, as well as all known witnesses.

“At this time, although there was suspicious activity by the subject, there have been no witnesses or victims that have specifically seen any actions that would rise to the level of signing criminal complaints,” the department said.“At this time, we do not feel that he is currently a threat to the public and the subject is not currently at large."

Police also noted that while the incident occurred near the high school, it doesn’t appear students were the intended target and they don’t know of any children approached. Nonetheless, the department said it has been in contact with the school from the beginning and has kept officials updated.

After news of the incident made its way onto social media, police said it “caused a tremendous amount of concern within our town" and the department fielded “several reports after the fact of a man in town exposing himself.”

Many of the callers had “either been hastily advised by someone else who was attempting to warn them of this man but did not fully or accurately describe the situation,” police said. Other residents saw social media posts, observed someone who fit the man’s description and called police, the department said.

“While we are grateful for and always encourage the public to be vigilant and report suspicious persons, activity or items to the police, in this case, these false reports are causing unnecessary panic and fear,” the department said. “The public should remember that social media has a tendency to amplify concern and blur facts.”

“We are obligated to conduct a full investigation in matters that warrant additional attention. While we understand the public’s general concern, we are unable to simply go arrest an individual because someone reported something and provided a license plate. Our subsequent investigation must establish supporting facts and evidence to support any criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Police added, “Each and every incident has different and unique circumstances and not every incident ends with criminal charges. Regardless, the GRPD takes every report seriously and handles them appropriately based upon our experience and training.”

Anyone with questions, concerns of direct eye witness information should contact Detective Sgt. James Calaski at 201-670-3948 or Detective Lucas Doney at 201-670-3947.