Man Accused Of Exposing Himself, Masturbating Onto Grocery Store Worker: Police

MANASSAS, VA — A Woodbridge man was arrested on three sex-related charges after he exposed himself, masturbated and left a bodily fluid on a female worker at the Food Lion grocery store in Manassas on Friday, authorities said.

The worker was not injured in the incident, the Prince William County Police Department said in its report.

Investigators identified the accused as Michael Earl Alexander, 31, of Woodbridge.

Alexander was charged with sexual battery, indecent exposure and obscene sexual display, according to a police report.

He was being held without bond, and a court date is pending.

If convicted, Alexander could face up to three years in prison.

Authorities said the incident occurred around 9:35 a.m. Friday at the Food Lion on Hoadly Road in Manassas. Surveillance footage showed the man entering the story around 8:50 a.m. and watching a female employee through the aisles, police said.

At one point, the man approached the worker before walking away again. The woman then went back to stocking the aisles, according to the police report.

Authorities said the man approached the worker again while her back was turned. He was exposing himself and making masturbatory motions, according to the police report. The worker said she felt an unknown fluid on her pants as the man walked away.

In a report, the police department said officers believe the woman's clothing was soiled by a bodily fluid related to the suspect's obscene actions.

The man left the store before police arrived. The worker told authorities she had brief interactions with the man in the past, and he was known to shop at the store.

Officers were not able to identify the man until they received a tip from a community member later on Friday. They identified the man as Alexander, and he met with officers at a local police station, police said.

Authorities said Alexander arrived at the police station in the same car used by the suspect after the incident at the Food Lion. After their investigation, officers arrested Alexander.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 800-656-4673. In Prince William County, ACTS operates a 24/7 hotline with local support and resources that can be reached at 703-368-4141.