Crime & Safety

Police: Man Masturbated, Exposed Self to Woman on City Bus

Robert Jamell Roundtree, 43, of Hartford, is facing several charges.

By Ted Glanzer 

A Hartford man is facing several charges after he allegedly masturbated on a CT Transit bus and exposed himself to a female passenger on Dec. 2, according to West Hartford police.

Robert Jamell Roundtree, 43, of 34 Huyshope Ave., Hartford, was charged with public indecency and breach of peace. Bond was set at $10,000, which was subsequently reduced to $5,000.

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According to Lt. Ted Stoneburner, Roundtree and a female passenger were seated in the back of the bus on New Britain Avenue in West Hartford when Roundtree exposed himself and began masturbating.

The woman moved to the front of the bus and Roundtree followed, Stoneburner said.

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The woman subsequently got off the bus and went into a restaurant at Westfarms mall. Roundtree followed the woman into Westfarms and went to a public bathroom, Stoneburner said.

Roundtree was still exposed and masturbating when police arrived, Stoneburner said.

The female victim identified Roundtree, who was handcuffed by police.

Roundtree, who is also wanted on federal drug charges, is scheduled to appear in Superior Court on Dec. 11.

Stoneburner said that people should know what to do in situations such as these.

"Stay with people until [police] arrive," Stoneburner said. "You never know what he - or she - is capable of. Don’t go into a private area with the person. We almost have a stalking situation here. There's strength in numbers." 


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