Police say they’ve arrested a man who they believe is the suspect captured on video masturbating outside Salon 500 in Downtown Long Beach Wednesday afternoon.
Sean Pierce Lewis, 28, was taken into custody Thursday on suspicion of conducting a lewd act in public, indecent exposure, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of unlawful paraphernalia, according to the Long Beach Police Department. His bail is pending magistrate review, police added.
The suspect, believed to be homeless, was exposing himself while outside of the business in the 500 block of Broadway when a woman noticed and reported the crime to police, according to authorities.
A video captured from inside Salon 500 appears to show a man pressing his head on the business’s glass, and with his hand inside his shorts, tugging at his groin area.
Officers responded to the scene around 2 p.m. but were unable to find the suspect, according to the LBPD.
On Thursday night, officers located Lewis and took him into custody in connection with the crime, police said.
“Our community’s safety is our top priority,” the LBPD said following the arrest. “We will continue to have our South Division Patrol Resource Officer along with officers from the Neighborhood Safety Bike Team, Quality of Life, and Mental Evaluation Teams in the area to connect with businesses and residents to help provide resources and information.”
Wednesday’s incident is the latest of two high-profile crimes reported in the same area of Downtown, involving men exposing themselves. In one case, a woman was attacked.
Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify that officers responded to the scene around 2 p.m.