Flasher Runs From Woman with Tazer, Jumps Fence (VIDEO)

Salem police are looking for a man who "flashed" a woman on/near High Street. She flashed her Tazer and he ran.

(SALEM) - A woman in downtown Salem was getting into her car at the mall when a man pressed his naked genitals up against her window, according to reports.

She apparently responded by grabbing a Tazer and chasing after the flasher; she may even have tazed him, which is not yet confirmed. The nearly naked man allegedly ran from the infuriated woman and escaped her wrath by jumping over a fence near Willow and High Streets in NE Salem.

K-9’s are making their way through the downtown area and neighborhoods, and they may have something to go on, since the man did physically touch the window.

Scanner traffic indicated that police investigating the incident advised all units that “no one touch the window.”

In the meantime, it is important to remember that “flashing” is not performance art. Flashing or exposing private parts is a sex crime, and is treated very seriously by the law. It has been proven that this type of behavior sometimes evolves into more serious sex crimes.

There is also a “serial flasher” currently on the run in Portland; this particular case is extremely disturbing because the man they are looking for has exposed himself to multiple children - three 11-year old girls just this afternoon. This is not a harmless act.

Apparently, the majority of those who commit a non-contact sex offense do not also commit “contact” sex offenses, but some do.

There are some well-known cases of flashers that went on to commit rape and murder; Randy Woodfield (the 1-5 Killer’) and Colin Pitchfork, both in the 1980’s, and the notorious Jeffery Dahlmer who was arrested twice for indecent exposure.

So, how should one deal with a flasher? Should you shout, chase, or just not even react?

Daniel Wilcox, a forensic psychologist who treats sex offenders was interviewed by The Guardian. He said, “Ignore him and walk away. Flashing is an angry act. These men are so unskilled at communicating with women, they tell me they would find it easier to flash at a woman than to go up and say hello. Remember, he wants a reaction and if you do react, he may well convince himself that you secretly like what he's doing."

It is most important to be careful however, as there is no way to predict an outcome when dealing with possible mental illness.

Contact the police immediately if you have information that may lead to the apprehension of these “flashers”.

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Bonnie King has been Publisher of Salem-News.com since August '04. She is a photographer and video producer, writer, editor and mother, which she considers her greatest position. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER).

Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers and readers alike. An lifetime activist for just causes, she continues to strive to present facts that support Truth, Justice and Peace, as we are in the world to change the world for the better. "TJP"