A Durango man has been arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure after allegedly pleasuring himself on two occasions at a downtown business.
Tyler Joseph Martinez, 31, was being held Friday at the La Plata County Jail on $3,000 bail.
Martinez is suspected of putting his hand down his pants and moving his hand up and down in a manner consistent with masturbation, according to an arrest affidavit.
Police reviewed surveillance footage from two separate incidents on Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. Both incidents occurred at Beads & Beyond, 840 Main Ave.
Martinez is accused of following a “college-aged” woman around the store and pleasuring himself while looking in her direction, according to the affidavit. He targeted the same woman in both incidents.
A Durango Police Department officer who reviewed the video surveillance footage immediately recognized Martinez from previous encounters.
DPD Cmdr. Nick Stasi said police have had previous contacts with Martinez for allegations of other unrelated crimes dating back to 2022. He was not immediately aware of any previous incidents involving indecent exposure.
Police were unable to locate Martinez last week, so it obtained an arrest warrant. Officers located him Thursday at his place of employment and made an arrest, Stasi said.
Tim Walsworth, director of the Durango Business Improvement District, put out an email Thursday warning downtown businesses of Martinez’s alleged behavior.
“I feel sad for the guy, but I'm more worried for downtown employees and people who are nice enough to come downtown to do business,” Walsworth said Friday after learning of Martinez’s arrest. “We want them to be safe, and that guy needs some help, and I'm hoping he's going to get it.”
shane@durangoherald.com
