Rise in complaints about nude men in Amherst

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Several reports involving naked men have surfaced in Amherst.

The series of bizarre and lewd behavior started three weeks ago on June 20, when 23 year-old Olandzo Smith of Puffton Village was arrested at the North Pleasant Street complex.

Smith is not a registered sex offender, however, he was arrested on charges of open and gross lewdness after he allegedly exposed himself to several women. Since then, Amherst police say close to half a dozen incidents involving naked men have been reported to police.

Puffton Village resident Evan Ross told 22News that he is not surprised by the situation.

“I know there is a lot mental illness in this area, and you find that whenever you are at a bus station or a parking lot or the pond or anything. So that seems logical,” Ross said.

Amherst police say they believe these suspects may suffer from mental illness. They urge you to call police immediately if you see this kind of behavior.