By Chris Caraveo
Ezequiel Diaz (Glendale Police)
Glendale police have arrested a man suspected of flashing teenage girls within the city, according to a release.
On Feb. 15, Glendale Police Gateway Property Crimes detectives had been conducting multiple days of surveillance in an attempt to identify and locate a man who was flashing girls near a bus stop in the area of 65th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
Through their investigation, Glendale Police detectives were able to develop probable cause for 34-year-old Ezequiel Gardea Diaz. Police located him near 65th and Montebello avenues. Officers arrested him on four counts of indecent exposure. Diaz was also arrested for trespassing and was in possession of illegal drugs and a handgun. He faces a total of five felony counts and five misdemeanor counts.
He was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office 4th Avenue Jail.
The victims were 15 and 16-year-old girls. At least two reports were made to the administration at Glendale High School and to the Glendale Police Department.
The first incident occurred Feb. 2 when a male flashed his genitals to three juvenile females and committed an indecent act. He was described as 5 feet 11 inches and 180 pounds with a full beard. He possibly was wearing a grey trench coat and beanie hat.
The second incident occurred on Feb. 8 when a man again flashed his genitals to another female juvenile student. He was described as a Hispanic in his mid-thirties, with a heavy build, stubble beard, gray and black hair. He was wearing a green trench coat and beanie hat.
Glendale Police Sex Crimes detectives are not aware of any other allegations at this time. However, the investigation is on-going.
Police said incidents like this highlight the importance of parents maintaining open lines of communication with their children to ensure comfortability in sharing information of this nature with trusted adults.
- Do not talk to strangers if approached
- Do not accept rides from strangers
- If approached by a stranger, run away immediately, tell a trusted adult, and call 911
- Always walk or ride in groups
- Always pay attention to your surroundings
Anyone with information about Diaz or his activities is encouraged to contact the Glendale Police Department at 623-930-3000. Attached below is a photo of Diaz.
