Coral Springs, FL - A South Florida man was arrested after allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior with a 16-year-old boy at a Coral Springs Park in July.
According to police, the incident occurred on July 14th within the premises of the Tall Cypress Natural Area, located at 3700 Turtle Run Blvd., just off Sample Road.
Law enforcement reported that the teen exited his vehicle and observed an individual, identified as 66-year-old Robert Charles Russell, who was seated in his car with the windows down.
When the teenager proceeded to walk through the park while using his phone, Russell allegedly approached the minor and proceeded to touch his genitals in a swiping motion over his clothing, resulting in the teen pushing Russell away.
Following the incident, the teen returned to his car, left the scene, and reported the occurrence to his father and the police.
The teen was able to identify Russell from a photo lineup, and during police interviews, Russell confessed that he was visiting the park with the intention of seeking sexual encounters with other men, as the location was known for such activities.
Russell asserted that he believed the teenager was in his early 20s when he first approached him.
According to an investigator's notes, "Russell stated that he attempted to flirt with the male by saying hello and grabbing his (own) penis, but the male declined his advancement by pushing his hands away."
Russell was arrested on Saturday on a charge of lewd and lascivious touching of certain minors.