WEST CHESTER — West Chester police have released surveillance images of a man they say assaulted a woman who was walking on a trail near the 500 block of Dean Street on Tuesday evening, Oct. 13.
What Police Say Happened
According to the West Chester Police Department, the woman was walking on a trail in the area shortly before 7 p.m. when a man she did not know approached and assaulted her. She was able to push him away and run from the area, police said. Officers took the report at 7:30 p.m.
Police said the man was last seen running north toward Everhart Park at about 6:58 p.m. The department has not released details about the nature of the assault or whether the woman was injured, MyChesCo reported.
Description
Police describe the man as Black, with a dark complexion, in his early 20s, clean-shaven, about 6 feet tall and with a skinny build. He was wearing a black durag and a gray or silver hooded jacket, police said.
The department posted three surveillance images showing a man in a light-colored hooded jacket near a wooden fence. Police are asking anyone who recognizes him to come forward, NBC10 reported.
Police Response
“The West Chester Police Department recognizes the concern this incident may cause within our community,” the department said. “We are committed to investigating this incident and appreciate any help from the community.”
Everhart Park is a neighborhood park on the borough’s west side, a short walk north of the Dean Street area. Police have not said whether officers searched the park after the report or whether any other incidents have been reported on the trail.
Police have not said how the surveillance images were obtained or exactly where the cameras were located. The images appear to be taken at night, in black and white, and show the man from the waist up in a hood.
What Is Still Unknown
Investigators have not said whether the man spoke to the woman before the assault, whether he was armed, or whether he may have been seen in the area before. They also have not said whether the victim was taken to a hospital.
How To Help
Anyone with information that may help identify the man is asked to call the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700 and reference incident number WC-26-29110.
No one has been charged. Anyone who is charged is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sources: West Chester Police Department; NBC10 (Hayden Mitman); MyChesCo. Images: West Chester Police Department.
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