Suspect In 3 Sexual Assaults On Fredericksburg Trails Arrested

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Police have arrested a Stafford County man in connection with a series of sexual assaults reported this month along the city’s popular trail system.

Hien Dinh, 23, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with three felony counts of sexual battery, third or subsequent offense within a 10-year period. He is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

The Fredericksburg Police Department began its investigation March 19 following a reported sexual battery on the Canal Path. Two similar incidents were reported on the Heritage Trail on March 23 and March 25.

Investigators identified Dinh as a suspect with the help of community tips — including one from a retired Northern Virginia investigator — and automated license plate reader technology. Police said ALPR data placed Dinh’s vehicle in the city during each of the three reported assaults.

On March 26, officers received an automated alert that Dinh’s vehicle had reentered the city. Police conducted a traffic stop on Bridgewater Street, near the Heritage Trail, where they seized the vehicle and a cellphone.

Subsequent search warrants executed at Dinh’s home on March 31 led to the seizure of electronic devices and clothing.

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"I want to commend our detectives and patrol officers for their swift and thorough work in this case," Chief Betsy Mason said in a statement, noting the department’s use of technology and community coordination.

The department credited the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for assisting in the investigation.

Police encourage anyone in need of support services to contact the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault via its 24-hour hotline at 540-371-1666.