Police are urging travelers on a popular hiking and biking trail in Maryland to use caution after the latest in a series of unsolved sexual assaults took place there last week.
According to the Maryland National Capital Police, a woman was sexually assaulted on the Northwest Branch Hiker/Biker Trail at around 5 p.m. April 20. According to police reports, the victim was walking on the trail near Chillum Community Park and the West Hyattsville Metro Station when she was approached by a man with a gun. Police say the man forced the woman off the trail and into the woods, where he sexually assaulted her.
The assault is the fifth to occur in the area of the trail since January, according to police.
The suspect in the latest case is described as a man in his mid-20s with hazel eyes and dark, evenly cut hair who stands between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall. Authorities say the man has a medium to stocky build, weighed between 170 and 190 pounds, and was last seen wearing a slight moustache.
At the time of the assault, the suspect was wearing a white t-shirt with a black design which the victim did not know; blue jeans; and black low-cut tennis shoes.
Police have not said whether they believe the same man is responsible for all five assaults. However, authorities do say that the description does bear similarities to those of other victims.
