ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A man St. Johns County deputies had identified as the man who followed women at two retail stores -- one victim while she was carrying a young child -- was arrested after the Sheriff’s Office released a second surveillance video saying they needed help identifying the suspect.
David Schroeder, 63, is charged with following, harassing or cyberstalking another.
The first incident happened Wednesday afternoon at the Publix on State Road 13. According to the report, Schroeder followed a woman into the store and around the store, even when she tried to evade him. The arrest report said he “willfully and maliciously engaged in a course of conduct directed at a specific person with caused substantial emotional distress to the victim and served no legitimate purpose.”
Another woman told authorities a similar-looking man followed her around a store in the same area.
According to the report, Schneider admitted to deputies he followed victims around the Publix.
“The defendant admitted that he thought the victim looked good and he followed her through the entire store,” deputies wrote. “The defendant stated he has a sex problem and needs help.”
Schroeder has an extensive arrest history dating back to 1986, including at least three arrests on charges of indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious, soliciting for prostitution and offering for lewdness.
Before Schroeder’s arrest, the Sheriff’s Office posted the video below on Facebook over the weekend, asking for help identifying the man.
Yesterday, we posted images of a male subject who was alleged to have been following an adult female through an area grocery store, while carrying a young child. Today, we have acquired video from the store to assist in possibly identifying this man. We also have a second female who has come forward due to a man allegedly following her through a retail store, along the same traffic corridor in the NW District. In both circumstances, the scenario and likeness are similar, although it is not confirmed at this time to be the same individual. Detectives would like to identify the subject and discuss his/their actions regarding the activity. If you can identify the individual(s), in these images, please contact Detective Chris Alexander at calexander@sjso.org or at 904-295-3440. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS, by visiting tips.sjso.org, or by using the P3 Tips App!
Posted by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, January 18, 2020
Deputies said on Facebook they identified the man completely thanks to tips from the community.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is continuing.