LAKELAND, Fla. – A Lakeland man was arrested Wednesday morning after allegedly exposing himself and engaging in inappropriate behavior during a Lyft ride.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Justin Cole was picked up by a Lyft driver at a Walmart store in Lakeland on Tuesday evening. Cole requested to be taken to his residence on North Combee Road.
READ: Bartow Man’s Meth-Fueled Crash Leads To Major Drug Bust In Polk County
During the ride, the driver stopped at a stop sign and glanced back to check for traffic. She was shocked to see Cole in the backseat with his pants down, engaging in lewd behavior.
The driver immediately contacted the Sheriff’s Office. When questioned by a deputy, Cole claimed that he had pulled his pants down and touched himself because his genitals were uncomfortable.
Cole was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail, charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs.
READ: Lakeland Man’s Nap In Auburndale Interrupted By Polk County Deputies, Wakes Up To New Charges
Deputies say this is not his first encounter with the law; in 2018, he was charged with Lewd Molestation (victim 12-16), which was later pled down to Child Abuse.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
