Suspect sought after alleged lewd act in Cheltenham Twp. resident's backyard

CHELTENHAM, Pa. (WPVI) -- Cheltenham Township police are asking for the public's help identifying a man who was captured on surveillance video performing a lewd act in someone's backyard.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight last Thursday along the 8000 block of Old York Road, according to police.

Surveillance footage shows a man walking through a backyard with his pants down and engaging in what police described as lewd behavior.

Lt. Andy Snyder of the Cheltenham Police Department said the homeowner who reported the incident did not recognize the man.

"The complainant didn't know who this person was. Never seen him before. Was obviously very concerned about seeing something like this," Snyder said.

The video shows the suspect continuing the behavior as he walked down a nearby alley, and out of camera view.

Snyder said investigators are working to identify the man and are relying on help from the public.

"We are going through the process of trying to identify him, but the public help is going to be huge in us, trying to identify who this person is. Somebody has to know who he is," Snyder said.

Police are seeking to locate the suspect quickly because of concerns about the nature of the behavior.

"You've seen this before where these people engage in these activities where they can also be engaged in other sexual offenses. So, we're concerned about who this person is, where they're from, what their motives are, what other activities they might be up to," Snyder said.

Residents and business owners in the area said the case is troubling, particularly because of the number of children who live and go to school in this community.

"It's pretty upsetting because we have a lot of young children in the area. We have a school off Elkins Avenue, and it's upsetting," said Diane Check of Elkins Park.

Ralf Wiedemann, also of Elkins Park, said this incident is disturbing.

"It's not what you would expect to be happening in your neighborhood, but you always think that you've seen and heard everything, and always get surprised," Wiedemann said.

Police say the suspect could face charges including indecent exposure and public lewdness.

Anyone who recognizes the man shown in the surveillance video is asked to contact Cheltenham Township police.