PSA for DC-area (esp MoCo) ladies - trail assault (multiple)

[Wines Not Whines]

I hate that this type of thing is becoming more common.

Suspect sought in Sligo Creek assault

Monday - 4/21/2014, 4:37pm ET

WASHINGTON -- Police are looking for help locating and identifying a suspect in a Monday sexual assault on Sligo Creek Parkway.

Maryland-National Capital Park Police say the assault occurred between Maple Avenue and Piney Branch Road around 7 a.m. in Montgomery County. A woman was jogging when the man, whom she initially jogged past, grabbed her buttocks.

She was able to flee in the opposite direction.

The suspect was a black man, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and wearing a blue hoodie abd black sweat pants. The hood of the shirt partially concealed his face.

Anyone with information should call 301-949-8010.

Police also released these tips:

•Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas; use well-lit and traveled areas. Avoid walking alone with a music player and earphones-you can't hear people approaching from behind. If you must, then use only one side.
•Dress in clothes and shoes that will not hamper movement.
•Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
•Report suspicious activity to park Police at 301- 949-8010.

www.wtop.com/52/3608043/Man-grabs-womans-backside-as-she-jogs-in-Md

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I just saw this Post article about 4 incidents on trails in the past month, most during daylight hours, and one incident where two women were running together (so much for safety in numbers). Ugh.

www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/assaults-on-area-trails-increase-as-more-people-head-outside-in-warm-weather/2014/04/22/ffac160c-ca2c-11e3-95f7-7ecdde72d2ea_story.html?hpid=z3

[MrsE]

Ugh, I don't know what's worse - that this happened or that my first thought was "oh no, not again!"

How scary. Stay safe, ladies!

[gt7301b]

Thanks for posting this. Stay safe on the trail!!

[Wines Not Whines]

I updated the OP with a link to a Post article that describes FOUR recent attacks on women on local trails in MD, DC, and VA. Yikes. Be careful and aware of your surroundings!

[mrshandy]

Ugh. This is so terrible.

[beachygal]

Not cool. I hate saying this because I don't like being scared, but I think I see more treadmill runs in my future. Or at the very least running on super trafficy roads (Georgia Ave, Colesville), which I'm not fond of.

[psyri]

And that's not even a particularly isolated stretch of Sligo Creek. Oh well. I guess be extra vigilant.

[labbie]

Ugh. What is wrong with people? Good reminders, sometimes I feel a false sense of security with early morning runs, thinking the freaks are too lazy to be up that early, but it's so not true.

Sent from my XT1080 using proboards

[Wines Not Whines]

Apr 22, 2014 18:43:18 GMT -5 labbie said:

Ugh. What is wrong with people? Good reminders, sometimes I feel a false sense of security with early morning runs, thinking the freaks are too lazy to be up that early, but it's so not true.

Sent from my XT1080 using proboards

I've thought the same thing. I guess freaks and sickos operate at all hours.