A woman walking a trail near the 500 block of Dean Street in West Chester was approached and assaulted by a man she did not know on Tuesday, according to police, who are now asking the public for help identifying her attacker. The woman managed to push the man away and flee the area before he ran off toward Everhart Park.
According to a notice posted by the West Chester Police Department, “The female victim was walking on a trail in the area when she was approached and assaulted by an unknown male.” The same notice states that “the victim was able to push the male away and flee the location.” NBC10 Philadelphia reported that the assault occurred at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, while the police-linked notice places the suspect fleeing the scene at 6:58 p.m. — the two accounts differ on the exact timing of the incident.
Suspect Description and Clothing
Police described the man as Black, with a dark complexion, in his early 20s, about 6 feet tall, clean-shaven and with a skinny build. He was reportedly wearing a black durag on his head along with a gray or silver hooded jacket at the time of the attack, per the same notice.
The suspect was last seen running northbound toward Everhart Park, the notice states. NBC10 reported that West Chester police also released surveillance images of the man sought in connection with the assault as part of the effort to identify him.
Investigation Continues
West Chester police say the investigation into the assault remains ongoing. In its notice, the department said it is “committed to investigating this incident,” and officers are asking anyone with information that could help identify the suspect to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700, referencing incident number WC-26-29110. No arrest had been announced as of the latest update to this case.
