Cape Girardeau man arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure in Sikeston

A 53-year-old Cape Girardeau man was arrested in Sikeston, Mo., on Wednesday after allegedly inappropriately exposing himself in the parking lot of a Sikeston business, according to a Sikeston Department of Public Safety news release.

The man, whose name is being withheld until formal charges are filed, was seen exposing himself from his vehicle by a local shopper, Sgt. Jim McMillen said. The shopper reported the car's license plate number to police as the man drove away.

Officers responding to the scene learned after the man left the business he allegedly changed the car's license plate and replaced them with plates reported stolen from Cape Girardeau.

"It is believed the suspect was using this stolen plate during the act to avoid being caught," McMillen said.

After arresting the suspect, police found the original plates hidden inside the vehicle.

Charges are pending with the New Madrid County prosecuting attorney's office.