A Naples man was arrested Monday afternoon, charged with inappropriately touching a 16-year-old girl on the beach. Matthew Donald Brabyn, 50, is accused of fondling the girl while she was sunbathing.
The girl told police she fell asleep on the beach in front of the Surfsedge Condominiums on Gulf Shore Boulevard. But she said she awoke suddenly, startled to find a man kissing her on her behind. She then screamed and the man ran off.
"I couldn't even imagine waking up to having something like that happening around here," said beach visitor Audrey Goff. "This has always been such a nice, family-oriented place."
Police found Brabyn at the Club Brittany Condos, after he was followed there by the father of the victim's friend.
Brabyn told officers that he tripped over some beach umbrellas, and accidentally fell on top of the girl, who police described as crying and extremely upset.
"Girls definitely have to be careful," said beach visitor Kendal Robino. "They should always make sure of what's around them and check their surroundings. Just be aware for anything."
Brabyn is charged with misdemeanor battery. His court date is scheduled for April 25.
