Predators At Texas Park

Location: Texas

I frequent a large local city park, and have been for many months now. Most of the park is open space with a boat ramp, docks, and playgrounds, but there is a small wooded area with trails winding through it. It's located on a large waterway, and the trails provide shaded openings on the shore of said waterway.

I frequently will walk the trails to photograph the water, birds, trees, etc. It's become a haven for me, and somewhere I go when I need to relax and think. My trips have been uneventful until recently. A man followed me into the more densely wooded area asking me what I was doing. Two other men appeared and cornered me along with him, still asking what I was doing and "looking for." They acted confused by my explanation of nature photography and seemed to be trying hard to appear nonchalant. I was able to quickly slip away and exit the wooded area. They followed me to the exit, but didn't attempt to stop me.

Two days later I returned, hopeful to shake my anxiety and continue to enjoy the trails. One of the men who had cornered me was present, but didn't approach me. I stupidly continued to an opening and took some photographs. I heard movement behind me and decided to leave.

It's important to note that a good bulk of the vegetation present are tall, slender reeds that allow light and shadow to pass through easily, especially with intense golden hour sunlight.

When I exited to the main trail I was met with the aforementioned man with his pants around his thighs furiously masturbating. He made eye contact and continued for several moments before stopping and saying "oh, I thought you were one of the guys," seemingly referencing the other men who had cornered me, and possibly others still who apparently utilize the trails for sexual gratification.

Having seen me enter the trail and watch what opening I went to, I doubt the man wasn't aware of who I was the entire time. Further, it would have been almost impossible to not realize I was leaving the opening and coming back to the main trail when I did, given the sparse reeds and intense sunlight casting shadows, which leads me to believe he intended to expose himself to me.

I hurried past him and returned to my car. His truck was parked next to it, and he came out to his truck maybe 10 minutes later. He said he was sorry in passing before driving away. I didn't know what to do or who to report this to, so I submitted an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers with a description of the events, of his appearance, and the color, make, model, and license plate number for his truck.

I checked back in today using the login information they provided and was met with a notice that my tip did not constitute a police report. I currently plan to submit a report to my local police, but I want to be certain first that I'm not overreacting or misunderstanding the law.

From what I've read, in the state of Texas it is a misdemeanor to masturbate in public and is considered indecent exposure or public lewdness. When the behavior becomes targeted and exposure of the act is forced on someone, what crime is that considered? I would assume it would elevate the charges associated with the act, but I'm not sure.

Should I report this incident and the men to the police? I'm angry for what was done to me, but also concerned for others (children have been known to use these trails).

Thank you for any information or advice you can offer on this topic!