The trail running through Bradbury Place in St. John’s, a shortcut between Hamilton Avenue and LeMarchant Road, where Laura Casey reported the incident. CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentLaura Casey, 41, was cycling along a familiar shortcut connecting Hamilton Avenue to LeMarchant Road in west St. John’s last week when she encountered a man exposing himself. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe incident occurred around 9 a.m. on a weekday morning on a gravel trail that links to Bradbury Place, a small cul-de-sac. Article contentArticle content“I came out onto Bradbury and there was a man coming from the other side of the trail. When he saw me, he turned back into the trees. At first, I thought nothing of it. Then, as I got off my bike to lift it over the incline, he came out again, this time with his pants around his thighs,” Casey said. Article contentArticle contentShe immediately called 911 while continuing on her route to an appointment. Article contentTRAIL CONDITIONSArticle contentCasey described the trail as increasingly affected by social issues over the past two years. Article content“There’s been more drug activity, syringes left around, even people camping there last summer. I’d already been questioning using it. But this, this was the last straw,” she said. Article contentThe trail is used by local residents for walking, cycling, and commuting. Article contentIt connects residential streets to commercial areas, including Shoppers Drug Mart and other local businesses, making it a well-traveled route. Article contentIMMEDIATE ACTIONArticle contentCasey says her first instinct was anger rather than fear. Article content“I didn’t feel afraid, I was more pissed off. That’s my personality. I’ve lived in different places and, sadly, as women, you get used to dealing with things like this. But it’s disappointing to see it happening more often here in St John’s,” she said.Article contentArticle contentShe shouted at the man and warned him that she would call the police. Article content As Laura Casey got off her bike to lift it over the incline on this trail in St. John’s, a man emerged from the trees with his pants around his thighs. CONTRIBUTEDArticle content“You could hear kids in the backyards nearby, that really got to me. It was broad daylight, in a residential area, and here was this man exposing himself,” Casey said. Article contentREPORTING TO POLICEArticle contentOfficers took Casey’s statement over the phone and followed up by email. Article content“I called 911 while I was on the move. I think they sent someone right away, but he probably got out of there pretty quick,” she said. Article contentShe has not received any updates indicating that the suspect has been caught. Article content“I assume they didn’t catch anybody, because I haven’t heard from them,”Article contentCOMMUNITY AWARENESSArticle contentCasey shared her experience on a local Facebook group to alert other residents. Article content“People sometimes don’t bother reporting because they think nothing will come of it. But if we don’t report, there’s no record. And this kind of behaviour doesn’t usually just stop, it can escalate,” she said.
St. Johns woman confronted by man exposing himself on local trail
