Sheriff's Office Urges Caution Following Assault on W&OD Trail

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday reminded residents to be cautious on paths and trails after a Leesburg woman was assaulted while riding on the Washington & Old Dominion trail near the Loudoun County-Fairfax County border.

While riding with a friend, the 61-year-old woman was “inappropriately touched” by an unknown Hispanic man, who grabbed her from behind at about 12:40 p.m. She screamed, and the man fled, according to police.

The sheriff’s office reminds residents to take the following precautions on trails:

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t wear earphones.
• Walk, run or bike with a partner or group.
• Let someone know when you are on the trail, your route and when you expect to return.
• Walk, run or bike when the path or trail is likely to have a higher volume of foot traffic.
• Avoid using paths or trails when it is dark outside. (The W&OD trail is closed after dark for safety. Anyone on the trail after dark is considered to be trespassing.)
• Carry a cell phone.

Call The Loudoun Sheriff’s Office if you see something or someone suspicious at 703-777-1021.