Attempted Rapist Grabs Woman In Gaithersburg Area Park: Police

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A West Virginia man told police he went to Great Seneca Stream Valley Park to have sex with someone, whether they were willing or not. Montgomery County Police have charged Jeffrey Michael Uy, 22, of Gerrardstown, West Virginia, with assault and attempted second-degree rape after he allegedly grabbed a woman Monday afternoon in the Gaithersburg area park.

Detectives are concerned that Uy may have assaulted other women before the encounter reported about 10:40 a.m. Monday. Anyone with information about Uy, or a victim, is urged to call police at 301-279-8000.

A 24-year-old woman was walking her dog on a trail near Frederick Road and Game Preserve Road in Gaithersburg when she was approached by Uy, police say. The suspect started to talk to the woman about her dog and then reportedly asked her twice to have sex. When the woman refused, Uy grabbed her arms. The victim was able to free herself and ran into the park with the suspect chasing her. Once the woman knew Uy was no longer behind her, she called 9-1-1.

As officers spoke to the victim, she saw Uy walking on a nearby park trail and pointed him out to police.

During a police interview, Uy reportedly admitted grabbing the woman and said he intended to have sex with her. Uy told detectives he went to the park in order to find someone with whom he could have sex and didn't care if the victim refused his requests.

Uy was charged with one count of attempted second-degree rape and one count of second-degree assault. He was ordered to be held without bond.

Montgomery County Police offer these safety tips when using area parks:

• Notify family and/or friends of your plans – where you will be and what time you expect to return.
• Know the name and location of the park/facility that you are using.
• Always carry a fully charged cell phone with you.
• Should you need emergency services, knowing your exact location at all times will help rescue personnel quickly locate you.
• Be observant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid poorly lit or desolate areas.
• If you feel uncomfortable in someone’s presence, trust your feelings and take measures to distance yourself from him or her.

Photo of suspect Jeffrey Uy, courtesy of Montgomery County Police