Channel 11 Exclusive: ‘Interstate flasher’ appears in court, banned from Target stores nationwide

SOUTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A so-called “interstate flasher” appeared in court for a hearing on Tuesday.

43-year-old Robert Edward Smith, known to police as the Interstate Flasher, is accused of exposing himself to women and children in stores across four states. Shocked shoppers have posted photos of him on social media.

In August, South Strabane police say Smith pulled his pants down in front of a 13-year-old girl at a Target — the same day he committed similar crimes out of state.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man on the run after exposing himself to children in stores across multiple states, police say

For the first time, we saw Smith without his signature medical mask in exclusive footage of him leaving the South Strabane magistrate’s office.

When questioned, Smith did not answer our reporter’s questions.

11 Investigates uncovered nearly identical incidents in West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland. In West Virginia, police say Smith exposed himself to a girl at Walmart, then at TJ Maxx, Old Navy, and Dollar Tree.

Photos show him in the same clothing, hat, and mask during these incidents.

Smith is currently out on $10,000 bond. The judge told him he’s not allowed contact with any victims or witnesses, or allowed to enter any Target.

Many shoppers were shocked to learn he is not in jail.

“Really?! They just let him leave? That’s definitely someone who should be in custody and who should see jail time,” said Nick Smydo.

Locally, Smith is facing two misdemeanor charges of open lewdness and indecent exposure.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2025 Cox Media Group