WAYNE, Ohio – Authorities are searching for a man accused of exposing himself to a teenager at a bus stop in the village of Wayne on Tuesday morning. The incident, which is causing concern in the usually quiet community, has led the Wood County Sheriff’s Office to issue a public alert while they continue their investigation.
The victim, a student at Penta Career Center, told investigators that she was waiting for the bus near East Main Street when a man driving a gray GMC Sierra truck exposed his private parts. According to the police report, the man then exited the vehicle, made eye contact with the teen, and gestured as though he intended to chase her. The girl quickly moved toward a nearby auto repair shop, prompting the man to return to his truck and drive off.
While the teenager was the sole witness, other children at the bus stop did not see the event unfold. The victim immediately reported the incident to the school resource officer, triggering a response from the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn expressed concern for the victim’s safety, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable. “Waiting at a bus stop should be a safe, healthy thing to do. No one should have to experience that,” Wasylyshyn said.
The suspect’s vehicle is described as a four-door gray GMC Sierra with rust on the driver’s side cab corner. Unfortunately, the authorities were unable to obtain a license plate number. Deputies have been canvassing the area, as well as surrounding communities, but have not yet located the truck or the individual.
Despite the unsettling nature of the incident, local leaders are reminding residents not to let it overshadow the overall safety of the village. Wayne Councilman Bryan Young, who also owns a business in the area, said he was shocked by the allegation. “This is the safest community you could possibly want to live in. You’re going to have your incidents, but that should not determine the town,” Young stated.
Sheriff Wasylyshyn noted that this was the first report of such an incident in the area in recent memory. A search of the local sex offender database yielded no matches for the description of the suspect.
Residents are being urged to remain vigilant. “If someone is exposing themselves, they need to call 911 right away,” Wasylyshyn advised. “Time is everything. The sooner we’re aware, the sooner we can send help, the better.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with information about the vehicle or the suspect to come forward and assist in the search.