Woman Grabbed From Behind, Nearly Gagged While Jogging In East Austin: Police

EAST AUSTIN, TX — Police are seeking help from the public in locating a suspect and/or his vehicle related to an incident in which a female jogger was grabbed from behind and almost gagged with a cloth.

The Austin Police Department on Tuesday issued the plea for help in locating the culprit. The incident dating to Aug. 22, when a woman jogging along the Austin High School track said she was bragged from behind, bear-hug style, after completing her laps. The woman told police the suspect tried to put a cloth over her mouth as she struggled to escape his grasp.

The victim was able to run away and call police after a brief struggle, law enforcement officials said. The victim observed the suspect and his vehicle multiple times at this location prior to this incident, police added. The suspect is described as:

• White male
• Mid 40’s
• 6’0” to 6’2”
• Medium build
• 215lbs
• Broad shoulders
• Tan skin
• Unkempt medium length brown hair
• No body or facial hair

Last seen wearing:

• No shirt
• Shorts
• Work boots

Suspect vehicle:

• Older model small car
• Dark green or blue

The victim observed some kind of white striping on the passenger side of the vehicle, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call (512) 974-5095, Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

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