Chilling Encounter on Naples Beach: Minnesota Man Arrested After Harassment Incident

NAPLES, Fla. — What began as a quiet Monday evening by the Gulf turned unsettling for beachgoers on 11th Avenue South, after police say a 44-year-old man from Minnesota harassed a woman in a disturbing encounter that left the community rattled.

According to Naples Police, Douglas Pederson, 44, approached a woman who was lying on the sand just before sunset. Witnesses say the man loomed over her, ignoring her clear discomfort. Investigators report that Pederson touched the woman several times and refused to leave, insisting she meet him again the next day.

When officers later reviewed surveillance footage, they discovered that Pederson had provided the woman with a false name and a burner-style cellphone number—before being picked up by his wife, who had their two children in the car.

Police later confirmed that Pederson has a prior conviction in Minnesota for indecent exposure, raising new concerns about his behavior and intent.

“The situation is deeply unsettling,” said a local resident who frequents the beach. “This is supposed to be a safe, peaceful place for families and friends. To hear something like this happened right here is chilling.”

Authorities say Pederson returned to the same beach the following evening, expecting to meet the woman again—unaware that officers were waiting for him. He was arrested without incident and taken into custody.

Residents have since called for increased patrols and security measures along Naples’ popular beach fronts, where many visitors gather to watch the sunset.

“It’s a reminder that even in paradise, vigilance matters,” said one beachgoer. “Predators can blend in anywhere—sometimes behind a smile, sometimes behind a family.”

Police are urging anyone who may have encountered Pederson or witnessed suspicious activity near 11th Avenue South earlier this week to come forward.

As the waves rolled in Tuesday evening, the stretch of sand where the encounter took place lay quiet again—a calm surface over something that, for many, now feels permanently disturbed.