Woman Sexually Assaulted Near C&O Canal


A female jogger was sexually assaulted along the Capital Crescent Trail July 25 around 9:15 p.m. U.S. Park Police responded (including EMTs and a helicopter) to the crime and are still investigating.

According to Park Police, “The victim in this case was jogging on the trail and the suspect approached the victim from behind, and then placed the victim in a choke hold. The victim lost consciousness and awoke with her pants down and the suspect fondling her. The victim screamed and the suspect then fled on foot toward Fletcher’s Boat House.” The attack took place on the trail close to the 9.5 mile marker — “north of Three Sisters [Islands] in the area of Water Street, NW,” police reported.

Park Police described the suspect as a black male with medium complexion, 5 feet 8 inches to 11 inches in height, “approximately 180 to 200 pounds; muscular/fit build; dreadlocks, three to four inches long; light scruffy beard; wearing a white shirt, possibly a tank top or cut off sleeves, and wearing long jersey type black shorts; no weapons used.”

The police seek the public’s assistance: “If you come in contact with any individuals that match the above descriptions, please take the appropriate action, document the contact thoroughly, and notify Detective Glenn Luppino, 202-610-8750; reference case #12-36735. U.S. Park Police Tip Line: 202-610-8737.”

The Capital Crescent Trail — which begins in Silver Spring, Md., and follows the abandoned right-of-way of the Georgetown Branch rail line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad — parallels the C&O Canal towpath as it bends into D.C. and ends at Rock Creek and Thompson Boat Center.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *