Group applauded for taking down alleged peeping Tom touching himself near children

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Some men are being called heroes after they tackled a suspect who witnesses said was touching himself near children at an Arlington day care.

The men work at Discount Boat Sales and Service on Arlington Road. The manager there did not want to be interviewed but said she’s just glad her employees were in the right place at the right time.

Photos showing three men pinning someone down on the ground are now making the rounds on social media.

Witnesses said the man on the ground had been touching himself while peeking through a fence at a local day care.

“I think they need to be recognized, even if it's something from the mayor. They deserve a high-five,” Sigrid Atkinson said.

News of the takedown spread in the area, and many applauded the men for not hesitating.

“Got his tail off the street and in jail because you know they're going to take care of him,” Atkinson said.

The manager at the boat business confirmed the incident but did not want to be recognized. She said the employees were just looking out for their neighbors.

We saw at least one nearby school but it’s unclear if it’s the one targeted by the suspect.

In one of the photos, you can see paramedics at the scene taking a look at the suspect before he was taken to jail.

“That's somebody's kid, could've been your kid, my grand,” Atkinson said.

Action News Jax requested the police report from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office but we’re still waiting to hear back. It’s unclear exactly what charges that suspect is facing.

Cox Media Group