EASTLAKE, Ohio — Police officials issued a plea for civility Sunday after saying the department had received “numerous” phone calls, emails and other communications in regard to the arrest of a man who attacked a teen he reportedly caught sexually assaulting a 5-year-old boy.

Richard Adams, 20, of Painesville, reportedly walked in on a 17-year-old male committing the sexual assault last Thursday on East 363rd Street near Vine Street, according to court records and a police report. Adams has been charged with felonious assault after he began fighting with the teen, court records show.

The 17-year-old has been charged with rape.

A post on the department’s Facebook page indicates Adams’ arrest has generated strong emotions in the community.

“We truly understand the interest, passion and concerns with this type of case,” the post says.

“Most of the people within our police departments, courts and the entire justice system have families of their own and the men and women are diligently working to ensure that everything is done correctly so that justice is served,” the post says. “To attack people within the system to achieve a certain outcome is not what justice is about. We appreciate the impact that this story has had on the community and beyond, but we expect people to be civil in expressing their disagreement and/or support of what has and will take place.”

Adams currently is free on bond.

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