2 Sexual Assaults Near the C&O Canal in July

Woman Sexually Assaulted on Capital Crescent Trail, July 25

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.”

Assault at 31st and the Canal, July 7
The United States Park Police, Criminal Investigation Branch, reported another sexual assault near the canal. This time, it was in town near businesses and homes. This is from the USPP: “Investigating a sexual assault that occurred Saturday, July 7 at approximately 1 a.m. in the Georgetown waterfront area. The victim was approached by the suspect in the area of M Street and 31st Street, NW. The suspect offered to assist the victim in locating her friends. The suspect led the victim onto the C&O Canal towpath just off of 31st Street and pushed the victim down into the bushes and sexually assaulted the victim. The victim was able to get away from the suspect. The suspect was last seen near the C&O Canal at 31st Street, NW.”

The park police described the suspect as follows: white male, with a heavy Australian accent; late 20s, approximately 5 feet-nine inches; slightly overweight; short dark hair, scruffy beard; wearing a polo shirt with white and blue horizontal stripes; wearing shorts, unknown color.

Again, the park police seek the public’s assistance: “If you come in contact with an individual matching the above description or image, please contact the U.S. Park Police Communications Section at 202-610-7505, or the U.S. Park Police Tip Line 202-610-8737, reference case #12-33695. “