Two suspects were arrested in Oak Park within two days of each other on charges of public indecency this week.
Michael J. O’Toole, 46, of the 2500 block of Willow in Franklin Park, was arrested in the 7700 block of Chicago Ave. in River Forest on April 25 and charged with public indecency and disorderly conduct.
A citizen phoned in the report after spotting O’Toole fondling himself in his car, while he appeared to be watching two young girls, approximately 11 years old, play nearby. O’Toole was arrested a short time later.
The day before, Allen J. Dyer, 29, of the 7200 block of W. Madison in Forest Park, was arrested for two counts of public indecency after two separate witnesses reported to police that they spotted a man fondling himself in a parking garage located across the street from the Ridgeland Common playground and soccer field.
Oak Park Deputy Chief Anthony Ambrose said two bystanders were walking by the parking structure when they witnessed Dyer’s actions and called the police. A number of people, including children, were playing in the park at the time of the incident.
Ambrose said the two incidents were unrelated, and no children were approached or harmed.
“These are individuals with obvious problems,” said Ambrose of the suspects, adding that the arrests were made because of tips from residents. “In both instances, members of the community called the police. We appreciate it. That’s what we’re looking for, community involvement,” Ambrose said.