Michael Smith, 37, was taken into custody following an investigation into the incident by Det John, Merritt, police said.
Smith was charged after the victim told police she had been approached on Highland Avenue by a man in a white vehicle who asked her if she wanted a ride. When he approached the victim, she saw that he was exposing his genitals. The girl fled the area and contacted police, police said.
Merritt was able to locate video evidence of the suspect’s vehicle just after the crime was committed and broadcast that information to all patrols, police added.
Officer Anthony Nappi spotted the vehicle the following day and provided the information to Merritt who was able to develop Smith as a suspect, police said.
Smith was located, arrested, and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and public lewdness. He is being held for arraignment in Peekskill.
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