A routine mail route turned into a disturbing encounter after a bicyclist allegedly exposed himself to a U.S. Postal Service employee in broad daylight — an incident that has sparked outrage and renewed safety concerns in Augusta neighborhoods.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on McDowell Road when a female mail carrier reported that a man riding a bicycle stopped near her delivery route, pulled down his pants, and began performing a lewd act in plain view. The worker quickly retreated to her postal truck and recorded video of the suspect as evidence, officials said.
The footage proved critical.
After investigators released images of the suspect and his bicycle to the public, multiple tips flooded in. Those tips ultimately led deputies to identify James Lyon, who lives less than a mile from where the incident occurred. When authorities arrived at his residence, they observed a blue bicycle and clothing that closely matched what was seen in the video.
Lyon reportedly declined to speak with investigators but was taken into custody and charged with public indecency. He was later booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
Law enforcement officials praised both the victim and community members for acting quickly, noting that the case underscores how vulnerable essential workers — including mail carriers — can be while simply doing their jobs.
“This could have happened to anyone,” one resident said. “It’s scary to think someone would do this in the middle of the day.”
The incident has reignited conversations online about public safety, repeat offenders, and whether enough is being done to protect workers who are regularly alone in residential areas.
Authorities urge anyone who witnesses suspicious or inappropriate behavior to report it immediately.
