Richland man accused of exposing himself to children at store and near a school
A 39-year-old man allegedly exposed himself to children outside a Kennewick elementary and at the Richland Walmart.
Scott L. Phelps of Richland is suspected in a string of suspicious incidents that escalated to exposing himself between Feb. 11 and Feb. 24. He was arrested in an SUV near Third Avenue and Rainier Street in Kennewick.
He was booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of indecent exposure and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
Police suspect Phelps approached the same 10-year-old student on Feb. 11 and 12 while they were walking home from Amistad Elementary school. The driver approached the student and offered money, Kennewick police said in a Facebook post.
After getting notified about the suspicious behavior, Kennewick police alerted the Kennewick School District and increased patrols in the area.
Investigators believe Phelps’ behavior got worse on Feb. 19 when he approached a 9-year-old while driving a red GMC Acadia SUV on Fifth Avenue between Kent and Olympia Street. He asked the student for directions to library before allegedly exposing himself, engaging in lewd behavior and then driving away.
The child’s father, who was nearby, gave police additional information about the SUV.
Police were able to identify the vehicle. While investigators were able to link it to Phelps, they didn’t have enough information to arrest him.
Richland Walmart
Phelps allegedly went to Walmart on Feb. 24 and exposed himself to a child inside.
While investigators had video of the suspect, they didn’t know who he was until the department’s street crimes unit talked with detectives from Kennewick’s Criminal Apprehension Team.
They were also able to connect Phelps with the GMC Acadia spotted on Feb. 19.
Working together detectives from both cities found Phelps on Wednesday in the same SUV and arrested him.
Now Kennewick police are asking for help to identify any other children Phelps may have contacted.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children and anyone with relevant information is urged to contact KPD or RPD detectives,” Kennewick police said in the Facebook post. “KPD would like to emphasize the importance of discussing safety measures with children regarding interactions with strangers.”
Anyone with additional information is asked to call Kennewick or Richland police through the non-emergency dispatch number at 509-628-0333. People can submit tips to Kennewick police anonymously using kpdtips.com.