Woman dragged off Hamilton Mountain trail in ‘stranger assault’

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Published July 13, 2022 at 4:40 pm

Trail stock photo

Police have released a description of a suspect who assaulted a woman after dragging her off a trail on Hamilton Mountain on Wednesday, and are also offering safety tips.

Hamilton Police say they are investigating “an unprovoked stranger assault.” Around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, a woman was walking in the area of Upper Paradise Road and Donnici Drive when she was approached by an unknown male. The suspect dragged her away from the trail. The ensuing assault was interrupted by witnesses walking by the area. The male fled on foot southbound towards Upper Paradise.

The suspect is described as as a Black male between 18 and 24 years old. He was about 6 feet tall and 175 pounds with a lean, athletic build. He has black curly hair on top and short on the sides. He was wearing a navy or blue t-shirt, and black or navy baggy jogging pants. He was carryin “a cross-body bag.”

Investigators are asking area residents to review their video surveillance for any footage that may assist with this investigation. Information may be shared with Det.-Sgt. Jennifer Currie (905-546-4962) or Det.-Const. Shannon McLean (905-546-4614).

Public trails and walking paths are a popular recreational outlet in Hamilton.

The police say they are encouraging the public to consider the following safety tips when using the trails and paths. Those include.

  • Walk or run with a partner when possible
  • Tell someone the route you are taking and the anticipated length of time you will be gone
  • Avoid poorly lit paths or running/walking when it is dark
  • Stick to populated paths when running/walking or cycling alone
  • Carry a mobile phone or personal alarm device
  • Run/walk without headphones
  • If confronted, be loud and shout for help.

Information that supports this or any Hamilton Police investigation may also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477; crimestoppershamilton.com).

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