Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway Flasher Nabbed After Stepped-Up Patrols

VILLAGE OF HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY— Police have nabbed a suspect in a disturbing incident on a popular hiking trail.

The Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department announced the arrest a 57-year-old Yonkers man following an investigation into a reported incident of public lewdness on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway.

On Sept. 30, police received a report from a woman who said that a man had exposed himself to her while she was walking on the Aqueduct Trailway. Officers canvassed the area but were not able to find the man.

On Oct. 2, officers conducted stepped-up patrols following a report of a suspicious man who potentially matched the description provided in the earlier reported incident of public lewdness. Officers located and interviewed a man matching the description. Investigators then identified the man as the suspect in the disturbing Sept. 30 incident.

Manuel Debrito, 57, was charged with public lewdness. During the investigation, he was also charged in connection with a separate incident reported in 2024.

The investigation remains ongoing, according to the Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department. Anyone with information regarding similar incidents on the Aqueduct Trailway is being encouraged to contact the department.