Man arrested for indecent exposure at Dearborn Target, alleged incidents occurred for months

FOX 2 (WJBK) - A 31-year-old man was arraigned for allegedly exposing himself in the parking lot of a Dearborn Target at 15901 Ford Road. He is also accused of performing lewd acts on himself inside the store, while following women. 

Steven Simmons of Detroit was charged with aggravated indecent exposure, indecent exposure, using a computer to commit a crime and child sexually abusive material, according to a release by Dearborn police.

Simmons was arrested on Feb. 11 after a female witness informed a Dearborn patrol officer that she saw a man in a white Jeep Wrangler pleasuring himself in the Target parking lot around 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

Steven Simmons

The Dearborn Police officer identified Simmons’ Jeep as it exited the parking lot and conducted a traffic stop, which led to evidence being found on his phone during an investigation.

In several videos, dating back to Dec. 3, 2023, Simmons "had recorded himself when he was inside Target, masturbating, and then ultimately ejaculating on women that had no idea that he was behind them," said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin.

The videos show various female victims, including mothers with their children who appear to be eight years old and younger.

"There are a number of victims that we've identified on his cell phone that may or may not have understood what was happening," Shahin said. "Its important that Mr. Simmons is charged for all of his lewd acts."

Since his mug shot was made public on Monday, another woman has come forward to police. In her case, she said she turned around in the store and saw him touching himself, but got away before he completed the task.

On Friday, Simmons was issued a $100,000 cash bond with GPS tether upon release. His next appearance in court will be Feb. 27.

"These incidents are disturbing and traumatic. Thanks to the quick actions of an alert community member, our officers were able to quickly apprehend this individual on-scene," said Shahin stated in a release. "We urge the community to remain observant, and ask anyone who may have witnessed the behavior from this individual to contact our department immediately."

The Dearborn Police Department is asking witnesses or victims of Simmons’ actions to contact the department at 313-943-2241. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP.