BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Raleigh County man is facing charges after an alleged incident involving indecent exposure at a local restaurant, according to a criminal complaint.
Law enforcement officers responded on May 27, 2022, to Outback Steakhouse, located on Hylton Lane in Beckley, following reports of a possible indecent exposure situation.
Upon arrival, the restaurant manager informed officers that a naked male had climbed onto the roof of the business.
The individual was later identified as 51-year-old Brian Newman.
According to the complaint, an officer climbed to the roof to make contact with Newman.
Once there, the officer observed Newman completely unclothed, with his legs spread and arms raised, yelling “Lord is God.” The officer instructed Newman to put his clothing back on, and Newman initially complied.
After getting dressed, Newman was asked to climb down from the roof so officers could speak with him. Once in the parking lot, Newman allegedly told officers that “the lord was telling him to do it again.”
Despite being advised by law enforcement not to remove his clothing again, Newman reportedly disrobed once more.
At that point, officers placed Newman in hand restraints to prevent further public exposure.
Witnesses, including the restaurant manager and employees, told officers that Newman had come down from the roof and entered the parking lot, where a church choir group—including younger women and children—was present at the time of the incident.
The complaint also notes that Newman appeared to be impaired by an unknown substance.
Emergency medical services transported Newman to Raleigh General Hospital for evaluation following the incident.
Authorities indicated they would seek warrants charging Newman with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.
He was arrested on April 7, 2026, and is currently at Southern Regional Jail on a $3,500 bond.
