Man charged with indecent assault and open lewdness at Pittsburgh's Frick Park
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A man is accused of indecent assault and open lewdness at Frick Park over the weekend.
Nineteen-year-old Isaiah Rivers of Penn Hills was taken to the Allegheny County Jail on a slew of charges after Pittsburgh police said he assaulted a woman and exposed himself at the park on Sunday.
Investigators said they received three reports about Rivers, the first of which allegedly happened on Tranquil Trail around 5 p.m. The woman told police she was out for a run when he approached her and started touching her inappropriately.
She told investigators that the 19-year-old said "excuse me" and touched the back of her dress. She thought he was taking a bug off her, but then she said he reached up her dress. Investigators said she managed to get away and call police.
"I don't know why people would do stuff like that," said John Bitsko, who walks his dog at the park. "You like to think the park is a safe space."
Shortly after, police said officers received another report of lewd conduct by a man matching the suspect's description inside the Frick Park Lawn Bowl. According to the criminal complaint, Rivers was touching himself inappropriately on a bench. Another woman alleged he was recording himself and then turned the camera on to her.
"I think it's disgusting. I don't really think this is the place. I have a completely different way of looking at this place," said Bitsko.
A little over an hour later, a man texted 911 and said Rivers was following women around the park. Eventually, police found Rivers, who was positively identified by the first victim.
After consulting with the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, Rivers was taken into custody. Investigators took his phone and the victim's clothing as evidence.