MASON CITY — A 61-year-old Mason City man was arrested after police say he was allegedly caught masturbating inside a truck parked at Georgia Hanford Park while children were playing nearby.
Mason City police were called to the park at 2301 South Pennsylvania Avenue at approximately 3:50 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, after a witness reported the disturbing conduct.
“Officers were called to Georgia Hanford Park on a report that a male was masturbating inside a truck while parked at the city park,” Mason City Police Chief Mike McKelvey told NIT. “Children were reportedly present or playing nearby in the park at time of report.”
An officer arrived at 3:54 p.m. and approached the truck described by the witness. Police identified the driver and only occupant as Steven Myers, 61, of Mason City.
Following an investigation, Myers was arrested and charged under Iowa Code section 709.9(2)(b) with indecent exposure — masturbating in public in the presence of a child. The incident was documented under Mason City police case number MC2602650.
Under Iowa law, masturbating in public in the presence of a child is an aggravated misdemeanor. A conviction carries up to two years in prison and a fine ranging from $855 to $8,540. Indecent exposure is also classified as a Tier I sex offense.
Georgia Hanford Park includes an arboretum, outdoor recreational amenities and a reservable public shelter. The City of Mason City confirms the shelter’s address as 2301 South Pennsylvania Avenue.
Myers (pictured at top) is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.