Firefighter Solicits Mother in Parking Lot: Cops

Life member of local fire company arrested for allegedly masturbating in Walgreens parking lot

A Collingdale firefighter was arrested after allegedly masturbating in front of a woman in a Walgreens parking lot and asking her to touch his genitals for money, police say.

Police arrested 48-year-old Joseph Phillips Thursday on charges of criminal solicitation, disorderly conduct and harassment, after he allegedly pulled into the Walgreens parking lot on Chester Pike next to a woman who was in her car with her baby, police told NBC Philadelphia.

Phillips, of the 1000 block of Lynbrook Road, Darby, Pa., masturbated in front of the woman while telling her that she was arousing him; saying that he is not in his happy marriage; and suggesting they have sex at the bar where he works in Upper Darby, police say.

Phillips then offered the woman money if she would touch his genitals, police told NBC Philadelphia. The woman told police that Phillips’ truck had a Collingdale Fireman license plate.

Phillips is listed as a life member of Collingdale Fire Company No. 2 on its website, with more than 22 years of experience. The site says that Phillips is a gravedigger and bartender by profession.

Phillips was arraigned and posted $10,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday.

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