83-Year-Old Man Arrested for Sexual Misconduct Near Somerville Playground

An 83-year-old man named Mario Pereira was arrested in Somerville, Massachusetts, in connection with multiple incidents of sexual misconduct near the Marshall Street Playground. Pereira is accused of approaching both children and adults in an inappropriate and alarming manner, including an incident where he offered candy to a 22-year-old woman with autism, then exposed himself and locked her in a room from which she escaped through a window. The Somerville Police Department, working with the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office, stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community but urged parents to continue educating children on safety precautions when approached by strangers. Community members expressed surprise and concern about the incidents but emphasized the importance of vigilance and neighborhood watchfulness. Police have advised children never to accept gifts, enter a stranger's home, or walk alone on unfamiliar routes, reinforcing the need for caution in public spaces like the park. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have encouraged anyone with further information to contact the police.