Prostitution sting nets arrests yards away from playground
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UNION CITY, Tenn. — Monday marked the end of a two-week prostitution sting by Union City Police to improve the safety of the park for the children who play there. Officers said with schools closing for summer there’s been an increase in outdoor activity at the park. There’s also been an increase in complaints of sexual solicitation, which resulted in a concentrated effort by law enforcement to find a solution. “It makes me feel disgusted that there’s people that would come to a public park where children are and do something like that,” said Lauren Bowling, parent. Lt. Phillip Gibson said they arrested two men in broad daylight. Keith Woodward, 45, was arrested June 3 and charged with prostitution and attempted sexual battery. Norman Barlow, 70, was arrested June 5 and charged with prostitution and indecent exposure. “This should be a warning for everyone that we’re in the area all the time,” Gibson said. Officers said there will be an increase in patrols in the area, and citizens are urged to report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement.
