Cheltenham police seek man after backyard exposure allegation

Cheltenham Township police are asking for public assistance identifying a man seen on surveillance video behaving indecently in a backyard in the 8000 block of Old York Road in Elkins Park. The incident happened shortly after 12:30 a.m. on October 22, police said.

The footage shows the man walking through the yard with his pants down and continuing the behavior as he proceeded beside an adjoining lane before disappearing from view. The homeowner who contacted police did not recognize him, a police lieutenant said.

Authorities are trying to determine who the man is, and said tips from the public could help. Police expressed concern about the nature of the conduct and said the man may be prosecuted for offenses such as indecent exposure and public lewdness.

Residents described the incident as upsetting, citing nearby homes, businesses, children and a school. One resident said seeing such conduct could be traumatic for a child. Police are asking anyone who recognizes the man in the video to contact the department.