Norristown Farm Park Sexual Assault Was In High-Traffic Area

NORRISTOWN, PA — Authorities released details on the sexual assault in Norristown Farm Park this summer, noting the specific location of the attack for the first time.

The Aug. 1 assault of a 19-year-old woman who was out running shook the local running community and made some question the safety of the area.

In response to the incident, a Solidarity Run against violence was held in the park just two weeks after the incident in August.

On Friday, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele told 6ABC that the incident occurred on Stony Creek Road between Upper and Lower Farm Roads.

That stretch is one of the most highly trafficked areas for runners and walkers in the park, and is not generally considered to be a dangerous part of the park.

Perhaps even more alarming is that the attack too place in broad daylight, sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. on Aug. 1.

The suspect, a black male wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, and armed with a handgun, sexually assaulted her at gunpoint, the DA said.

The victim called 911 immediately. Authorities searched the area when they arrived but could not find the suspect.

The suspect is described as a male in his 20s or early 30s with medium brown skin, standing between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall. He also has an average build, police said.

West Norriton Police and the Montgomery County Detective Bureau are working together on the investigation.

A $10,000 reward remains posted for information leading to the capture of the suspect.

If you have any information, please call 610-278-3368 or 610-630-1701.

Patch file photo