Massachusetts mom — a former member of the Israeli military — chases down, pins alleged flasher

A suspected flasher in Massachusetts apparently got a surprise of his own last week, when he was chased down and pinned by his alleged victim — a mom who happens to be a former member of the Israeli military.

What are the details?

The mother, identified only by her first name, Aia, told reporters she was on a run along Memorial Drive in Cambridge at around 7 a.m. Thursday, when a man jogging toward her exposed himself. At first, she thought he might have been innocently adjusting himself, but when he exposed himself a second time, she sprang into action, according to Patch.

Aia chased down the suspect, began questioning him, and held him down while trying to call 911. But the former Israeli service member was on her own, and says she was stunned that bikers and other fellow runners ignored her calls for assistance. The suspect was able to get away, but he is now being sought by the authorities.

"He picked the wrong victim," the mom and personal trainer told reporters Wednesday. "All I want is for women to stand up for themselves and for passersby to get involved."

Woman chases down flasher along Charles Riveryoutu.be

Massachusetts State Police say the incident (including the reported indecent exposure) was all caught on surveillance video, and they are asking for the public's help in identifying the alleged perpetrator. They have not released the entirety of the footage, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

The suspect is described as a white male with short, dark colored hair and a receding hairline. At the time of the alleged flashing, he was wearing black and gray running clothes and black shoes with white soles.

Anything else?

State Police authorities say they do not typically recommend victims pursue suspects on their own, but acknowledged that this was a unique circumstance.

Trooper James DeAngelis told Patch, "Obviously we would prefer someone to call 911 so that we can respond. She reacted in the blink of an eye what she felt was the best form of action. Good for her. I think she put the fear of God in the guy."