BC RCMP are asking anyone who may have had a similar interaction with a man recently charged with committing an indecent act to contact police.
Police say officers were called to a hotel in Smithers around 8:20 p.m. on May 17, 2026, after a man entered the building with his face covered by a surgical mask and exposed himself to an employee.
RCMP say the employee was able to provide a detailed description despite the distressing nature of the incident.
Investigators also obtained surveillance video from the business, which police say showed the man appearing to move in a way that limited his visibility to cameras.
The suspect was described as having long dark hair and wearing a blue surgical mask, black clothing, a black coat and green Crocs.
Police say officers found a man matching that description a short time later in downtown Smithers and arrested him.
“This investigation moved quickly because of the detailed information provided by the employee and the persistence of the responding officer, who continued looking for the accused until he was found,” said Acting Sgt. Jim Preston, acting commander of the Smithers RCMP detachment.
Jerry Morin has been charged with committing an indecent act, disguise with intent and two counts of breaching probation.
Police say investigators learned Morin was bound by probation conditions for similar offences outside British Columbia.
He was remanded in custody following a bail hearing.
RCMP say incidents of this nature can be difficult to report and are asking anyone who may have had a similar encounter with Morin to contact Smithers RCMP.
