Police shut down Davidson park for sexual assault investigation

DAVIDSON, N.C. — Davidson police officers responded to a sexual assault with attempted rape Thursday evening at Fisher Farms Park.

The park, located on Shearer Road, was closed down while police investigated.

"We had to ask many park visitors, including mountain bikers and dog walkers, to leave Fisher Farm while we got the situation under control and began conducting our investigation," said Davidson Police Chief Jeanne Miller. "We wanted to provide an update to citizens to let them know that the park is closed, but that there are no safety threats."

The suspect, Joao Maldonnado, and the victim knew each other, police said.

(Joao Maldonnado)

Maldonnado has been taken into custody.

"It’s kind of surprising,” resident Drew Milligan said. “You don't hear about things like that in Davidson."

The park reopened early Friday.

"It's pretty scary honestly. It might have changed my mind about coming out here this morning had I known,” a cyclist said at the park Friday.

There have been three crimes reported at the park in the past two years.

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