BRISTOL — A Newport man was arrested after exposing himself and allegedly masturbating in front of another man inside the men’s locker room at the Roger Williams University recreation center and pool complex last week. It was his third arrest in a month, all for similar offenses.

The incident began after noon on Tuesday, Feb. 18, when a male was showering inside the men’s locker room after swimming in the pool. According to a statement he provided to police, a man later identified as Robin Perkins, 33, entered the locker room while the witness was finishing his shower.

The witness told police he had never seen Mr. Perkins before, but while he was getting dressed, Mr. Perkins began talking to him, then took off his clothes while continuing the conversation and then began masturbating. He allegedly asked the witness if he wanted to help.

The witness left the locker room and told a member of the university staff what had just happened. A Roger Williams security officer detained Mr. Perkins in the common area outside the locker room, and Bristol police officers responded to the scene and questioned Mr. Perkins about his behavior.

After initially refusing to identify himself and threatening to sue the police officers for violating his rights, he eventually provided his name. Mr. Perkins was taken into custody, brought to the station and charged with disorderly conduct-indecent exposure.

According to court records, Mr. Perkins has been arrested three times in a month. On Jan. 18, he was charged with disorderly conduct-indecent exposure by Middletown Police. A police source confirmed that the Middletown incident was similar to the incident in Bristol. On Feb. 12, Newport police officers arrested Mr. Perkins and charged him with cyberstalking and cyberharrassment.

Mr. Perkins was released from the Bristol station on personal recognizance and is due back in court on March 4.

Bristol Police Capt. Brian Burke reiterated that Mr. Perkins is not a student and has no standing at Roger Williams. He wanted to assure the public that the university is a safe place.

“Roger Williams and Bristol Police have a great partnership, ensuring the safety of the students, the faculty and the campus,” he said.