CMPD increases presence on city’s greenways after sexual assault reported

CHARLOTTE — After a woman reported being sexually assaulted on a greenway over the weekend, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is increasing its presence on the local greenways.

Investigators said a man approached the woman Saturday morning and inappropriately touched her on the McAlpine Creek Greenway near Johnston Road in south Charlotte. They said the man exposed himself before grabbing her inappropriately.

Police have not yet arrested a suspect in the case.

On Monday, police said they are increasing the number of officers and the frequency of their patrols on the city’s greenways.

“CMPD’s goal is for residents and visitors in our community to be able to safely enjoy all of the parks and greenways that the city has to offer,” the department said in a statement.

Channel 9′s Dan Matics learned the woman who reported being assaulted was walking with a friend at the time, which is normally what police advise to avoid attacks like this. It’s frustrating for people who run and walk the trail every day, and especially because it was reportedly in the daylight.

“I would absolutely go out by myself at 7 a.m., it’s the best time to run,” said Liz Burns.

“I’m distressed to learn this and that it happened. It might change my behavior,” she added.

Police have a vague description of a suspect. They say they’re looking for a young Black male, around 6 feet 1 inch tall. The one specific piece of information they’ve been able to share is that he was wearing a Kentucky Wildcats hoodie. Officers said he started running toward a nursery that’s close to the trail.

This weekend’s incident comes just 10 months after a similar attack on the same greenway. After that case, Channel 9 asked why Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation wouldn’t put emergency call boxes on the greenway. At that time, we were told because flooding would interfere with the electronics.

However, on Monday, the department did not answer follow-up questions about whether they are rethinking adding the emergency call buttons. They did say there’s an effort to add mile markers to trails.

CMPD said it has already patrolled the greenways for years. They monitor access points, parking lots, and trails, and they have daily patrols using Dual Sport bikes. Now, the department said the officers on bikes will be joined by more officers on bicycles, ATVs, and utility vehicles.

The police department also partners with the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department “to increase security and visibility with maintenance crews and park patrols.”

Police asked anyone who sees something suspicious on parks or greenways to call 911.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

(WATCH PREVIOUS: CMPD search for suspect in sex assault on McAlpine Creek Greenway)

CMPD search for suspect in sex assault on McAlpine Creek Greenway

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