On 10/11/10 at approximately 6:30 p.m., South Precinct officers responded to a report that a 55-year-old female jogger on a wooded trail in Seward Park had been attacked by a stranger. The victim told officers that as she was jogging along the trail she saw the adult male suspect. She described him as a black male with light complexion, 16-25 years old, with short hair and a “baby face”.
The victim stated that as she jogged past the suspect, he grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground. The victim told officers that the suspect was armed with a knife. The suspect punched the victim several times and the victim fought back. A witness heard the victim’s screams and rushed to the scene of the attack. Upon the witness’s arrival, the suspect fled.
Additional responding officers set up containment in the park. K-9 units, Harbor Patrol and the Guardian One helicopter responded to search for the suspect from by ground, sea and sky. Thermal imaging was employed but the search was unsuccessful.
The victim was treated on scene and transported to an area hospital for additional care. Sexual Assault Unit detectives responded to the hospital to interview the victim. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives responded to the scene to look for and collect evidence.
The victim will be meeting with detectives to develop a composite sketch of the suspect’s face. The hope is to have a sketch available to the general public during the next 48 hours.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Seattle Police Sexual Assault Unit at (206) 684-5575.