Story Archive

Foot Fixation

A 48-year-old woman was getting into her car in a supermarket parking lot in Lincoln, Neb., when a hand reached out from under the vehicle next to hers and grabbed her ankle. When she screamed, a man rolled out from under the car and ran away. Police later found and arrested Jesse Johnson, 20, on suspicion of (wait for it) disturbing the peace. Johnson, however, claims he never touched the woman. “I was hiding under the vehicle simply for the visual,” he said. This was Johnson’s third arrest for similar incidents this year, and he had been out of jail just two days. Police worry he could escalate. “Some of these people never move beyond what they’re doing, similar to window peekers,” says police Capt. Jeri Roeder. “And some, you know, graduate on to bigger and worse things. Johnson said he had seen a counselor, but financial issues made treatment unaffordable.” When asked if he thought it would happen again, Johnson said, “If I get the help that I need, no.” (MS/Lincoln Journal Star) ...And unfortunately, that’s as good as a yes.