Safety concerns halt Citizen Science at the Park Program at Asan Park

Disturbing reports of alleged flashers and indecent exposure gropers at Asan Beach Park have put a pause on a popular community program hosted by the National Park Service. But now, concerns over public safety are taking center stage.
"We've noted in the past several months going back to late last year, there have been multiple reports of either stalking, criminal sexual conduct in the form of a person groping primarily female walkers and jogger, and a person who was exposing himself to those who frequent the area," explained Guam Police Chief Stephen Ignacio. He provided details to troubling incidents occurring at the Asan Beach Park. He says although he can't provide the exact number of cases reported, he can say that it exceeds ten. one of the cases came to their attention.
"When we started to look into it, we noted that it's one of those things where we need to look we noticed a pattern," he said.
He says because there are different types of cases, they can't say for sure if crimes are being committed by one person and the same person, adding, "Some of the descriptions of the suspect seem to be similar, across the cases, but again because we haven't caught anybody, we can't say for sure that we are dealing with one person."
GPD has been working with the National Park Service law enforcement and even though the incidents are taking place on federal government property, GPD has stepped in to handle investigation.
As a result, the popular Citizens Science at the Park program was put on pause. The program, focuses on brown tree snake eradication would usually end in the evening and as they ended on January 10, a man allegedly exposed himself to a couple of volunteers. GPD was called.
NPS superintendent Barbara Alberti said, "Our daytime activities have resumed , we have some safety precautions in place, and we've not had any incidents during the day time but our evening actions are still on pause."
Ignacio says the park is one many go to for exercise but at night, its not well lit, noting, "Be careful of where you park. If you can't walk with a partner, walk when there is still daylight out right before sundown. If you can leave before it gets dark, that's what we would advise."
Alberti shares the same sentiment, saying, "Visitors to the park at night, should stay vigilant. They really need to be aware of their surroundings. there is safety in numbers. And there shouldn't be long distance between them if they are walking or running together."
Remember, if you see something, say something.