LAKELAND, Fla. — A high-risk violent sexual predator was arrested after allegedly touching himself less than 45 feet away from children at a Lakeland park.
Venisha Beckford saw 59-year-old Danny Valentin standing outside a park restroom touching himself.
"I would have never imagined any of this happening, ever. I'm just glad that I was in the right place at the right time so he could get caught," she said.
Court records show Valentin is a high-risk violent sexual predator. He was on probation after being convicted of a sex offense with a minor.
Beckford warned other parents to get their kids and run. Then she captured photos of Valentin walking away from Barnett Family Park.
"Kids are innocent, they're supposed to be able to play in public and it shouldn't be an issue," Beckford said.
Valentin rushed away from the park, leaving his SUV in the parking lot. He told authorities he was at the park only because he ran out of gas.
