TYLER (KYTX) - Parents with children in Tyler ISD are getting e-mails from the district tonight, warning them about a man arrested for improper photography of women near Robert E. Lee high school.
Police arrested him on Rose Rudman Trail
I got an email that was sent out to parents warning them about the man who was arrested for taking pictures.
Campus police are working with Tyler Investigators to figure out who was in the pictures taken with a cell phone.
And it's still a scary thought for those who use these trails.
Michele Attaway and Jan Bowers use the trail in South Tyler everyday.
"Pretty much, out here after work," says Michele Attaway.
And Jan says she saw 55-year-old Dennis Brown snapping pictures about 3 weeks ago.
"Thought he was taking pictures for the park, promote the trails or a photography student. Even though he was older," says Jan Bowers.
Tyler police say Brown took pictures of women exercising on the trail near Woodcreek Athletic Club, where we found Jan and Michele.
"Thank goodness for somebody having a heads up and alerting the authorities," says Attaway.
Officer Doyle Lynch says a witness made a called reporting Brown, once officers arrived they found photos on his phone of women fully clothed.
"I don't believe any of the photographs taken that people know they were being taken," says Officer Lynch.
Police say it's not snapping the picture that's the problem because you're in public. The law says it's that the person didn't give consent and the intent to use the photo for sexual arousal or gratification of someone else.
"We just ask people be aware of their surroundings and if they see something that peaks your interest, don't think it's right, call," says Officer Lynch.
Jan and Michele say they always walk during the day, and they're sticking together, but they're not ready to give up their 5 mile trek just yet.
"I'm not uncomfortable coming out here by any means," says Attaway.
"I'm not either," says Bowers.
Officer Lynch says Brown also snapped some pictures of women in the parking lot at Woodcreek.
The general manager at Woodcreek says they take safety seriously and are starting safety classes, and the email from the district says officers will monitor the school grounds closely.
And they ask students be aware of their surroundings, too.
Police took Brown to the Smith County Jail.
He has since been released.
The charge is a state jail felony.
