An off-duty LAPD officer faces a lewd act in public charge in connection with an indecent exposure arrest on a walking trail in Huntington Beach, authorities said.
Ryan Eric Galliher, 33, of Huntington Beach, was arrested on Thursday at 7:33 a.m. at Bolsa Chica Street, just south of Los Patos Avenue, officials said.
He was arrested while Huntington Beach police detectives were conducting surveillance as part of an investigation into reports of a male exposing himself over the last several months there, according to a press release from the Huntington Beach Police Department.
The incidents have occurred in the wetlands at the dead end of Bolsa Chica and involve several victims, police said.
Detectives saw the suspect commit a lewd act along an open pathway in the area.
There were no other victims in the area at the time besides the investigators.
The news shocked some Huntington Beach residents who use the trail.
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Emily Sanders and her sister walk the trail almost every day.
"It is kind of an area that sometimes crime does take place -- just because it's secluded," Sanders said. "It's unfortunate, but he must need some help."
Holly Chandler, of Huntington Beach said it's fortunate that he was caught so he can't keep doing it to others.
"It's sad," she said. "There's obviously something going on."
Galliher was identified as an off-duty Los Angeles police officer assigned to the Southwest Division.
LAPD officials were notified and are cooperating in the investigation, Huntington Beach police said.
Police said they waited to release information about the arrest in order to give investigators time to conduct a follow-up investigation.
They have been working since his arrest contacting previous victims and attempting to identify additional victims.
Galliher was released from custody with a pending court date. He has been placed on administrative leave and assigned home pending the outcome of the investigation, LAPD officials said in a statement.
In addition to the criminal investigation, the LAPD initiated an administrative internal investigation.
Galliher was hired by the LAPD in November 2011 and was assigned to Southwest division patrol at the time of his arrest.
"It is appropriate that I reserve judgment on this matter until all of the facts have been gathered and the investigations have been completed," LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said in a statement. "However, let me be very clear, I will not tolerate any behavior that reflects negatively upon this department and tarnishes our relationship with our communities near or far."
Anyone that has any information or believes they are a victim of the suspect is asked to call the Huntington Beach police tip line at (714) 375-5066.
