Police said he routinely exposed himself to females near University of Delaware
For nearly two years, an Avondale man who made a habit of exposing himself to women ranging in age from 16 to 59 near the University of Delaware campus managed to elude authorities, according to Newark, De. police.
On Saturday, police from Newark and the University of Delaware got the break in the case they were seeking, leading to the arrest of Jason W. Grubbs, 39, a Newark police news release said Monday.
Police received a report that a man wearing a shirt but no pants had confronted two women, ages 20 and 21, slapping his buttocks, at 10:45 p.m. on Beverly Road near Sunset Road, the release said. Officers arrived, and Grubbs, who had disappeared between two homes, was seen emerging clothed from trees at the corner of Beverly Road and Manns Avenue; he attempted to flee, but was apprehended when he tried to climb a fence, the release said.
Police said Grubbs has been linked to at least 16 similar incidents stemming back to June 1, 2011. He was arrested on 18 criminal charges stemming from nine incidents in the jurisdiction of Newark police, released on $1,800 unsecured bond, and turned over to University of Delaware police. University authorities arraigned him on 16 additional charges arising from seven incidents on campus; Grubb was released after posting $1,600 bail, the release said.
Police in both jurisdictions are continuing the investigation to determine whether Grubbs is connected to additional incidents, the release said. Anyone with information should contact Newark Det. James Skinner at 302-366-7110, ext. 135, or
ja***********@cj.us
or University of Delaware Det. Jay Protz at (302) 831-4136 or
jp****@ud**.edu
, police said.
For anonymous tips, text 302NPD and your message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available, police said.