Police: Man entices young girls at park

THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - A Thomasville man is behind bars, accused of approaching two girls in a park and trying to get them to have sex with him.

This isn't the first time police have responded to indecent cases like this recently at Cherokee Park.

Keith Howard, 21, surrendered to police Tuesday afternoon, after investigators said surveillance cameras captured him enticing the girls at the park.

Janine Ramsey walks at Cherokee Park three to five times a week, but after this incident, she said she is extra cautious while she's on her walks.

"I don't talk on my phone when I'm walking, I don't read," said Ramsey. "I'm very much more aware of my surroundings.  I'm looking around me, kind of watch what's coming up."

Police encourage runners, walkers, kids, and parents to have that heightened awareness.

Captain Maurice Holmes said Howard was caught on camera speaking with the girls.

"In this conversation, he began to make sexual comments and very vulgar language toward the children," said Captain Holmes.

Investigators said the girls began to scream.

One family member told police they chased Howard off before losing him in an apartment parking lot.

But this isn't the first time police have been called to the park.

In the past couple of weeks, folks have reported other men exposing themselves.

No arrests have been made in those cases.

"We have stepped up patrols in the parks," said Captain Holmes. "We also have undercover patrols in the park.  We've been very proactive in addressing these issues and we want the public to know that it's not being ignored."

With extra security and the police department right next door, Ramsey said she feel safe.

"Am I concerned? No," said Ramsey. "I don't have any qualms about walking during the day. Now after dark, I would not."

Keith Howard is being charged with two counts of child molestation.

Thomasville police continue to investigate other incidents and expect more arrests to be made.

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