MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man has been arrested for allegedly trying to solicit sex from children at Germantown Park last week.

John T. Appling Jr., 38, is being held on a $150,000 bond.

Germantown Police said the incident happened last Wednesday at Howard-McVay Park in the 7000 block of McVay Road.

According to police, someone reported seeing an adult male talking to juveniles at the park in an attempt to solicit sexual acts. 

Police said an investigation by officers on the scene and by detectives led to the arrest of Appling.

Missy Johnson walks her three dogs at the park nearly every day.

She was shocked when a friend told her a man was arrested for asking kids in the park for sex.

“I couldn’t believe that would happen so close to us. I live in this neighborhood, and there are a lot of kids who play here,” said Johnson.

Appling, who lives in Germantown, was charged with two counts of Solicitation of a Minor (to wit Rape of a Child) and two counts of Solicitation of a Minor to Observe Sexual Conduct.

GPD is not saying how many juveniles Appling approached or their ages.

Zach Brown was in the park on Wednesday with his young daughter. He said it’s not something he would expect to happen in the neighborhood.

“It makes your stomach turn. It’s disgusting,” said Brown.

Police said this was an active investigation. Appling is scheduled to be in court next week for a preliminary hearing.