SOMERSET, Calif. — Families visiting the popular swimming area beneath the Somerset Bridge on Saturday afternoon were alerted to an alleged indecent exposure incident after a local resident shared details of the encounter on social media.
According to Danielle Barrett, her 22-year-old daughter and a friend were swimming beneath the bridge when they allegedly encountered an older man who exposed himself and began touching himself in their presence.
“This afternoon my 22-year-old daughter and her friend went swimming under the Somerset bridge. While there an older man proceeded to pull out his privates and touch himself in front of them. He didn’t stop until she pulled her phone out and yelled at another couple of women with kids to keep their kids away,” Barrett wrote in her public Facebook post.
Barrett also shared photographs she said depicted the man and a white pickup truck she believed was associated with him. The authenticity of the images and the identity of the individual have not been independently verified.
A second community member, Amanda Baker, later reported seeing law enforcement in the area.
“I drove by around 1:30 today and saw two sheriffs there. I’m hoping they caught him.”
The reports have heightened concern among residents because the Somerset Bridge crossing on Mt. Aukum Road is a well-known summertime destination where families gather to swim, picnic and cool off along the Cosumnes River. During warm weekends, the area often attracts visitors from throughout El Dorado County.
At this time, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly released information confirming whether deputies contacted a suspect, made an arrest or opened a criminal investigation related to Saturday’s reported incident.
Under California law, indecent exposure is prohibited under Penal Code Section 314. Depending on the circumstances, allegations involving lewd conduct in a public place may also result in additional criminal charges if prosecutors determine sufficient evidence exists.
Authorities generally encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious or criminal behavior to report it immediately, preserve photographs or video only when it is safe to do so, and avoid confronting a suspect unless necessary to protect themselves or others.
Anyone who witnessed Saturday’s incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Witness statements, photographs and video can be valuable in helping investigators determine what occurred.
This remains a developing story. Publication of allegations does not establish guilt, and any individual investigated in connection with this incident is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources:
- Witness statements publicly posted by Danielle Barrett and Amanda Baker on Facebook.
- California Penal Code §314 (Indecent Exposure).
