A Texas man was arrested this week after police say he was caught engaging in lewd behavior inside a hardware store in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, while a second man allegedly involved in the incident ran from the store before officers arrived.
According to authorities, the incident happened during regular business hours. Store employees contacted police after witnessing what they described as sexual activity taking place in a public aisle of the store. Investigators said the behavior was visible to nearby customers, including families shopping at the time.
Police identified the man taken into custody as Derrick Vaughn Cole, 41, of Tarrant County. Officers arrived at the scene and detained Cole without incident. A second male, believed to have been involved in the activity, reportedly fled the store on foot moments before police arrived and has not yet been identified.
No injuries were reported, but authorities said the incident caused significant disruption and distress among customers and employees. Portions of the store were temporarily restricted while officers interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage in an effort to identify the second individual.
Cole was charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure and disorderly conduct, according to preliminary booking information. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges or arrests are possible if the second suspect is located.
Authorities urged anyone with information about the fleeing suspect to contact local law enforcement.
