Columbia police investigating incident at Shepard Boulevard Park

Columbia police are investigating an incident at Shepard Boulevard Park Thursday afternoon.

Sgt. Joe Bernhard says a Parks and Recreation park ranger was dispatched to the park for a report of a man acting suspiciously around 3:30 p.m.

The principal of Shepard Boulevard Elementary School, Jacquie Ward, sent out an email to parents saying there was a report of a man exposing himself near the school.

Police detained a 48-year-old man, who they interviewed at police headquarters Thursday evening. The man was later released and Sgt. Bernhard says the investigation is still ongoing.

Investigators say despite the park being located near Shepard Elementary, the incident is not believed to be connected to a sexual misconduct investigation near Bethel Park that ABC 17 News reported on Wednesday.