CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Social media in Southwest Florida has been abuzz this week over suspicious behavior in area Target stores. However, police in Cape Coral say that no crimes were committed by the man.
According to the Cape Coral Police Department, they were made aware of two separate incidents taking place at the Santa Barbara Boulevard store in which a man was reportedly following women through the store and taking photos of them.
Investigators with the Major Crimes Unit spoke with the women and were able to track the 51-year-old Cape Coral man down.
Further investigation determined that although the man was taking photos of women in the store, no actual crimes were committed since it was happening in a place with no expectation of privacy.
If you or someone you are with is involved in circumstances where you believe there is a threat, Cape Coral Police recommend the following:
- Walk to an area where there is a group of people. Safety in numbers.
- Call the police to report the incident immediately. It is much easier to locate, interview, and possibly arrest if a crime was committed.
- Report the incident to the business. If there is surveillance cameras this may help secure video of the incident.
- Try to make a mental picture of the suspect so you can give an accurate description to law enforcement. This is to include unique features and clothing description.
- If you are intentionally grabbed or there is an attempt to abduct you or someone else, scream. This will draw attention which is not something a suspect wants; more witnesses or people trying to stop him/her.
