Masturbating In Police Station Leads To Felony Charge: Police

WILMETTE, IL — A man with multiple prior convictions for lewd conduct was found masturbating in the Wilmette Police Department on the morning of March 7. Police said the Chicago man was found exposing himself inside the lobby restrooms at the station around 9:07 a.m. that morning.

Tyrone Smith, 54, of the 7300 block of South Morgan Street, was arrested. Prosecutors approved a felony charge for public indecency because of his record.

Wilmette police had run into Smith a few times on the street before a telecommunicator found him engaging in lewd conduct in the bathroom last week, according to Cmdr. Michael McGarry. .

"He was in the lobby for a while before he'd gone in to use the restroom," McGarry said.

Police said he had at least three prior convictions for lewd conduct or public indecency.

In Chicago alone, Smith has had arrests for public indecency, trespassing, aggravated battery to police and resisting arrest, according to arrest records.

McGarry said he was not aware of any similar previous incidents at the 710 Ridge Rd. station.

"We've had instances like that in the lockup, but not in the lobby like that," he said.

Smith is being held at Cook County Jail in lieu of posting $1,500 as a cash portion of his bond. His next court date has been set for April 3.