AUBURN, N.Y. -- A man was charged after he exposed himself and masturbated in front of a 4-year-old child at a video store, Auburn police said.

Patrick J. Catlin, 36, a transient from Auburn, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and public lewdness.

Patrick J. Catlin

At about 10:20 p.m. Saturday officers responded to Family Video, at 48 E. Genesee St., in Auburn, for a report of a man who had exposed himself in the video store.

Police said the man exposed his genitals and masturbated in front of a 4-year-old child. The child was not physically touched or injured during the encounter.

The man, later identified by police as Catlin, fled on foot.

Catlin was spotted fleeing by a responding officer nearby on South Fulton Street. But despite a search, the officer could not find him. Police said the officer recognized Catlin, who is known to Auburn police.

Officers investigated and, with help from Family Video employees, were able to link Catlin and develop evidence.

Police said Catlin is suspected in several similar incidents in downtown Auburn and has been arrested by Auburn police three times since December 2011 for similar behavior.

In March 2014 when he was charged in two separate incidents at a Wegmans. He is accused of masturbating in front of a 9-year-old child during one of those incidents, police said.

Police got a tip and picked Catlin up and arrested him Monday night at 99 South St.

Catlin is being held pending arraignment in Auburn City Court.