TYLER (KYTX) - A man is arrested, accused of exposing himself to a jogger in a Tyler park, but Tyler Police Officer Don Martin says there are a lot of ways to keep yourself safe from danger when you exercise outside.
"The best thing to do is use good common sense. And, that means being aware of your surroundings."
Martin says Wednesday morning's jogging victim did just that by calling 911 after she says she saw a man in the bushes expose himself to her twice.
Police say that man is 28-year-old James Kiser from Athens. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reports Kiser has extensive criminal history, including drug charges, burglary, forgery, even theft of property from a grave, and escape from jail.
Police arrested him at the park as he was leaving for his car. Officer Martin says you never know what you can encounter when you're out alone.
"If you're with another person, then you reduce your odds of something happening to you because safety is with numbers."
Levis Reyes makes sure he jogs with his girlfriend.
"Run with me, yeah." he said. "I wouldn't let her run by herself or anything like that."
Officer Martin says if you are walking by yourself, be sure to always carry a form of protection, even if it's just your car keys. And, always have your cell phone handy, in case you do have to call 911.
That's what Angie Henderson does.
"In case anything comes up, I can pull out my cell phone and make an emergency call." she said.
Officer Martin says it's OK to call police if you see anything suspicious, even if it's just someone standing in the woods. Just a little precaution can protect you from a lot of danger.
Kiser is out of jail on $500 bond for the indecent exposure charge.
