New York State Police arrest a local man after he allegedly exposed his genitals to young teens walking down Buffalo Street.

A unsettling incident in the Village of Gowanda has culminated in a public lewdness arrest after an older male allegedly exposed himself to young teenagers walking down a local street. The incident, which quickly escalated from a shocking encounter into a physical street confrontation, highlights the vital role of community vigilance and swift law enforcement intervention. According to officials with the New York State Police, the suspect was taken into custody over the weekend after local adults intervened on behalf of the distressed children.

The incident occurred during the evening hours of Saturday, June 20, 2026, a time when families and young people routinely use village walkways. Observers note that events of this nature often shake a small town’s sense of security, emphasizing the constant necessity for localized situational awareness. As the New York State Police finalized the charges, community leaders expressed relief that the situation did not result in physical injury to the minors involved.

The Incident on Buffalo Street

The chain of events began at approximately 8:36 P.M. on June 20, when two young teenagers were walking along the sidewalk on Buffalo Street in Gowanda. According to the state police investigation, an older male walked directly toward them with his genitals exposed outside the front of his trousers.

Instead of remaining silent, the resourceful teens immediately sought help. They notified nearby adults about the man’s behavior, which quickly shifted the situation from an isolated act of exposure into a volatile neighborhood crisis.

The Neighborhood Confrontation

Upon hearing the teenagers’ account, local adults confronted the suspect. This interaction quickly deteriorated into a heated dispute. Law enforcement received emergency calls reporting a full-scale “fight in progress” on South Water Street, which intersects the village’s downtown area.

Law Enforcement Response and Formal Charges

Troopers operating out of the SP Collins barracks rushed to the South Water Street scene to diffuse the ongoing altercation. Upon arriving, troopers separated the parties involved, identified the primary suspect, and placed him under arrest without further incident.

Identity of the Suspect

State Police officially identified the individual arrested as:

• Name: Benjamin M. Cole

• Age: 32

• Residence: Gowanda, New York

The Legal Framework

Following his arrest, Cole was transported to the SP Collins station for formal processing. Authorities filed multiple misdemeanor charges against him, matching the severity of actions involving minors.

Cole faces one count of Public Lewdness in the First Degree, categorized as a Class A misdemeanor under New York State Penal Law. Due to the presence of multiple minors during the commission of the act, authorities additionally charged him with two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, which are also Class A misdemeanors.

Under New York State law, a Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail or three years of probation, alongside potential court-ordered counseling or mandatory registry considerations depending on judicial findings.

Community Impacts and Next Steps

The swift response by both local citizens and State Police highlights a collective commitment to protecting local youth. Legal experts point out that while street confrontations can introduce safety risks, the immediate reporting by the victims was crucial in securing the suspect before he could leave the area.

“Investigation determined that two young teens were walking on the sidewalk on Buffalo Street when an older male walked toward their direction with his genitals sticking out,” the New York State Police report confirmed.

Upcoming Court Appearances

Following his processing at the barracks, Cole was released from custody. In line with standard modern criminal procedure for non-violent misdemeanors in New York, he was issued an appearance ticket. Cole is legally mandated to answer the charges in the Town of Collins Court on July 9, 2026.

Conclusion

This troubling encounter serves as a stark reminder of the importance of open communication between children and guardians regarding public safety. By acting quickly and speaking up, these young residents prevented a bad situation from continuing unnoticed.

What steps does your neighborhood take to ensure sidewalk safety for kids during summer evenings? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and share this article to keep your local network informed.