Hines Park Jogger Fights Off Would-Be Rapist: Police

LIVONIA, MI — A woman was able to fight off a would-be rapist as she jogged through Edward Hines Park about 7:25 p.m. Sunday, and Livonia police are seeking the public’s help in locating the suspect.

The 28-year-old woman was running eastbound on the Edward Hines Drive bicycle path west of Levan when she encountered a man who was walking in the opposite direction, Livonia police said in a news release.

She attempted to jog past him, but he wrapped his arm around her neck, struck her on the side of the face, and the two struggled as the man attempted to drag her toward the Rouge River and remove her clothes after saying “he wanted to have sex with her,” police said.

The woman was able to fight off her attacker and he fled eastbound on foot, according to the release.
The woman flagged down a passing motorist and used his cell phone to report the attack to police, who searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect, police said.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 28-30 years old; 5 feet,10 inches tall and 180 pounds with muscular build. He had short dark hair and was clean shaven. He was wearing a tight fitting black or grey compression style shirt and dark colored cargo shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Livonia Police Department at (734) 466-2470.

Patch file photo