SAN DIEGO -- A sexual deviant reportedly exposed himself on a popular trail in Mission Valley Monday night.
Ashley Matthews, who works at 10News, says she was jogging along the San Diego River at about 7 p.m. when she saw a man pleasuring himself on the side of the public trail.
Matthews jogs on that trail about four times a week.
“It's frustrating, because it's so beautiful,” she explained. This is a perfect place to jog.”
“He was standing right here, and just watching the runners.”
The man had a scruffy beard, gray hoodie and dark pants was masturbating on the side of the trail.
“His pants were down at his knees, and I mean, serious face, like no big deal. This is apparently where that happens.”
It's making Matthews rethink where she exercises, even in broad daylight.
“I was like, ‘ah,’ and started running in the opposite direction,” Matthews said.
Matthews warned others to do the same and then she called police. She’s frustrated more isn’t being done to keep the trail safe.
“We pay really high rent to live over here, and we can't even enjoy this part,” she said.
Lately, Matthews says that with every step she takes on the trail, her fears grow.
“I turn down my music just so I can hear if something's going on. And that's a terrible feeling to have when you're out running and getting exercise.”
Matthews would like to see more officers patrolling the area so she and other runners can feel secure in their own neighborhood.
“Every time I'm down here, there's homeless people. There's men just staring at you when you're running from the brush, and I just don't feel safe.”
San Diego police tell 10News they are aware of the situation, but have to prioritize their resources.
You can expect to see more people on this trail as it continues to stay lighter longer. For a lot of neighbors, the river trail was one of the selling points for area.
