COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Police say they have arrested a man who was caught following a woman while exposing himself at a Walmart in Cobb County.
Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michelle Newell The suspect was in Austell on Thursday, and police said the suspect, Dorian Hampton, tried to hide what he was doing but was caught anyway.
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Investigators said Hampton entered the Walmart on the East-West Connector and intentionally watched the woman and followed her inside the store. Police said once he got close enough, he did the unthinkable, holding the board to try to hide what he was doing.
But security cameras caught everything.
The loss prevention manager told investigators that he noticed Hampton’s actions and called police while watching live footage from the store’s surveillance cameras, according to the warrant.
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Investigators said the man performed a sexual act near the woman but was not witnessed because of the commission.
Hampton was arrested and charged.
Women shopping at the store are now on high alert.
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“It’s just terrible to have to worry about not even being able to go out on my own anymore,” said the woman, who identified herself only as “Antoinette.” “That’s a concern. I live nearby. I have a 5-year-old daughter. As a mother, I want to be safe.”
Antoinette said her mother had a similar experience at a Walmart in metro Atlanta.
“She was on the phone and felt very uncomfortable,” Antoinette said. “She started noticing the same man nearby. She was able to get her things and leave without incident.”
Mr. Newell contacted Walmart but did not receive a response.
Channel 2 Action News has reported numerous incidents of this type this year. Several men have been arrested and charged with public exposure in Cobb County.
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