Man on the run after exposing himself to children in stores across multiple states, police say

SOUTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Multiple police departments are warning the public to be on the lookout for a man accused of exposing himself to children inside popular stores.

South Strabane Police say 43-year-old Robert Edward Smith exposed himself to a young girl inside a Washington County Target store — and investigators say it’s part of a multi-state pattern.

Smith is wanted in West Virginia and Ohio for similar incidents. They say on July 30, a local mother called 911 after her 13-year-old daughter was flashed inside the Target on Washington Road. The mother told police Smith’s pants were down when he exposed himself in a shopping aisle.

11 Investigates learned police in Granville, West Virginia, say Smith exposed himself to a girl inside Walmart that same day — then went to TJ Maxx, Old Navy, and Dollar Tree, where similar incidents were reported.

Surveillance photos show Smith wearing a grey shirt, baseball cap, and N-95 mask. Police say witnesses also recorded video of him in the stores and shared it with investigators.

Smith is facing charges of open lewdness and indecent exposure in Pennsylvania. Police say those charges will be filed and sent to him by mail. He lives in Virginia.

Anyone who sees Smith is urged to call 911 immediately.

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