Police officer who allegedly masturbated in car 'was trying to stay awake on his drive home'

Patrolman Glenn C. Woolard ended his night shift in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and was driving home on Wednesday morning when he pulled down his basketball shorts and exposed himself, according to court records. A woman in a box truck was driving next to Woolard's sedan was shocked at what she saw, telling a state trooper who took her report, he was "waving it around" and fondling himself.



The woman gave the sedan's licence plate number to police, who went to Woolard's nearby house. At first, Woolard denied the accusation, but then confessed, authorities said. The 35-year-old patrolman admitted exposing himself on Wednesday morning and also a week earlier in the parking lot of the Target store where a woman said he had his window down "as if he wanted to be seen," the records say.

In his defence, Woolard allegedly told the trooper, he wasn't doing it for sexual gratification. He was just trying to stay awake while driving home. On Friday, authorities announced that Woolard, recently commended by Bethlehem officials for rushing into a burning home to save a life, was being suspended and charged with two counts of indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. After he was arraigned, Woolard was released on his own recognizance.



Woolard was off-duty during the incidents, was not in uniform and was in his personal vehicle. He was suspended after Wednesday's incident and will be facing further disciplinary action, which could include dismissal. The department's office of professional standards is conducting an internal investigation. Woolard, who is married and lives in Lower Macungie Township, has been with the department since February 2013 and had no past disciplinary actions.

There's a news video here.