Woman Attacked On Trail South Of Reston

Police say a woman was grabbed in a bear hug by a stranger while she was walking Thursday on a bike and walking trail near Waples Mill Road and Random Hills Road in Fairfax, south of Reston.

"A woman was walking alone along the trail at 5:10 pm when a man grabbed her from behind in a bear hug and groped her," reads a report from the Fairfax County Police Department. "The attack stopped when a passing car spooked the suspect. He was last seen running westbound along Random Hills Road."

The woman was not injured. Police sent a K9 unit and helicopter looking for the suspect but were unable to find him.

Police describe him as white, 18 to 30 years old, having a thin build, and about 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall. He had dark blonde to light brown hair and was unshaven, wearing jeans and a white t-shirt.

Police think this case may be linked to other assaults that have occurred on nearby trails in the general area. In many of the cases, the suspect grabbed the buttocks of the victims, and they generally happen after 4 p.m. to women exercising on the trails.

Police advise anyone walking on local trails to go only in familiar areas and with a friend, to not run after dark, and not to wear headphones or earbuds.

If you have any information, police ask that you call Det. N. Porter at 703-591-0966.

Image via FCPD