Nude man startles female joggers in Columbia

A nude man who touches himself sexually has been shocking female joggers in the predawn hours in the Shandon and Heathwood neighborhoods.

“He was totally naked — not a stitch of clothing on or anything,” one woman jogger who didn’t want to be identified told The State today. “Not even a shoe.”

At least four sightings by two women, both in their 40s, in four different locations have been reported to police in recent weeks.

The first sighting, in Shandon near the corner of Wilmot and Maple, took place around Dec. 18.

Police did not publicize the incidents until late Monday, after repeated inquiries earlier by The State to comment on reports the newspaper had received.

Police, who have stepped up early morning patrols in Shandon and Heathwood, urged joggers in those and other neighborhoods to be vigilant. They did not know whether the suspect is dangerous.

Joggers also should carry a cellphone “with the numbers set to predial 911” if necessary, said police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons.

One of the joggers who saw the man twice said the first time, she was shaken but thought he just might be doing something extremely odd in his own front yard around Wilmot Street in Shandon.

But after she saw him the second time, on Jan. 1 at Princess and Wheat streets in Shandon, she called police.

“He started coming toward me and appeared to be more aggressive,” the woman said. “It shocked me. The second time, I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh, he’s following me,’ because this is the second time I’ve seen him and it’s in a different location.”

According to police, the suspect is a white male, possibly between ages 40-50, possibly 5 feet 8 inches tall, 150-180 pounds with a medium build. He may have a “low haircut” or is possibly balding.

The suspect, police say, has approached joggers in the early morning, between the hours of 5:30 and 6:45 a.m.

The victims say the man was near a patch of shrubbery or roadway at the time of the alleged incidents. There is a possibility that the man then changes into a jogging outfit to blend in with others who may be exercising in the neighborhood, police say, and he may possibly be using a silver Honda.

Other sightings were in the Heathwood neighborhood at Cassina and around Heathwood Circle.

Shandon and Heathwood are among Columbia’s most upscale neighborhoods, and one of the victims said she had gotten complacent jogging in those neighborhoods because they seemed safe. “It goes to show that anyone can be a victim — it doesn’t matter where you live.”

Since being accosted by the suspect, the woman said she still jogs but is more alert. “I’m looking at corners and bushes — any place he might be hiding.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbia Police, (803) 545-3500, or CrimeStoppers at (888) CRIME-SC.