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Safety Alert: Jogger Grabbed on Duke Trail (Updated)

CrimeStoppers offers reward for information leading to arrest

 

Updated: 11:40 a.m.

Duke University Police are increasing patrols of the trail and surrounding area and are seeking tips from the community in the investigation. 

"The Duke trail is a popular place for runners and walkers from throughout our community," said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for administration. "Because of its location in the Duke Forest, the trail presents unique challenges for security. We have regular patrols of the parking lots, which we will be increasing, and we will be increasing our security presence on the trail between from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. We are also posting fliers along the trail in hopes that someone using the trail this morning saw something that may help in the investigation."

Durham CrimeStoppers is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.  To report information about this incident, visit the Duke Police website or call CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.

Updated: 8:50 a.m.

On Wednesday, at approximately 7 a.m., a female jogger was grabbed and pulled from behind on the Duke trail near Cornwallis Road. The jogger pulled away and sustained only minor injuries.  

The suspect was described as a light-skinned male in his late 20s or early 30s. He is about 5'6" tall and of medium build. He was wearing black pants, a black tank-top, white shoes and a red baseball cap.  

Duke and Durham police departments are on onsite and investigating the incident.  

If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Duke University Police Department at 919-684-2444.  

This message is being sent to all Duke students, faculty and staff in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act(also known as the Clery Act), which requires colleges and universities to provide timely notification to members of the university community of certain crimes reported on campus. The information in this message has not been verified by law enforcement authorities and may change as a result of further investigation.  We encourage you to visit http://www.duke.edu/police for future updates.