I find myself constantly torn between fostering my son’s independence and keeping him safe. I want him to be able to handle himself on his own, but I also read (and write) crime stories. I’m painfully aware of just how wrong things can go in the blink of an eye. My mom intuition really popped off one day at the park when my son said he had to use the bathroom. We trekked over to the stalls, and my son ran for the men’s room before I stopped him and said he needed to go into the women’s room with me.
He was upset; he really wanted to be a “big kid” and go to the bathroom on his own. Just before we could really start arguing about it, a large man exited, looking disheveled and a little crazed, cursing and carrying on as he went out the door. Although he very well could have been a nice man, judging by his temperament, I was glad my son wasn’t alone with him in a room. Bathrooms can be a hub for nefarious activity.
Recently, a 13-year-old boy had a strange encounter in a public restroom in Boston.
According to True Crime News, a 34-year-old man with an extensive criminal history was arrested and charged after he allegedly approached the teen in the bathroom of the 99 Restaurant multiple times with a box of Gushers candy. Mass Live elaborated that the encounter occurred in the location on Austin Street in Charlestown, on March 21, 2026, according to a police report. The teen was apparently there with a group of friends before he went off to use the bathroom alone.
The man was identified as Ronald Johns, and he reportedly asked the teen several times to take a piece of candy.
According to Fox News, although the boy initially refused, he eventually felt so uncomfortable and “forced” that he ended up taking one and eating it. He said the man was blocking his exit. After taking the candy, he left the restroom and Johns reportedly followed him out. In fact, he followed the group of boys all the way to a nearby playground despite the kids repeatedly asking him to leave them alone. Afterward, a parent of one of the boys in the group notified police of the incident.
Police found Johns and claim he became ‘immediately’ aggressive and defensive with them.
“I didn’t touch nobody or nothing. I don’t have no drugs or no weapons. I didn’t do anything bad, bro, I swear,” Johns allegedly said.
Authorities learned Johns has an extensive criminal history in Georgia, per Fox News. His past charges include sexual abuse, forcible touching, public indecency, criminal trespassing, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use, as well as burglary, assault, and battery.
Johns can now add the charges of kidnapping and accosting or annoying another person to his record. He is being held on a $1,500 bail and is set to appear in court on May 13.
