Fwd: Wissahickon Park Safety Alert

[J. Desper]

Park Safety Alert

Police Release Composite Sketch of Park Assault Suspect Police released a composite sketch today of the suspect in last week’s assault of a woman who was walking on a Wissahickon trail in Chestnut Hill. The suspect is described as a black male, 25 to 30 years old, approximately six feet tall, of large build, with short, curly hair. He was wearing a red polo shirt with white writing, tan pants and a baseball cap. According to police, a 51-year-old woman was assaulted at approximately 4:30 p.m. last Friday while walking on a trail near Gatehouse Road and McCallum Street in a section of the Wissahickon Park in Chestnut Hill. The assailant demanded money, pushed her to the ground and assaulted her. She broke free and called police from a passerby’s cell phone. Friends of the Wissahickon encourages people to practice safety in the park: • Park users should exercise with a partner whenever possible. If exercising alone, try to avoid using the park during off-peak times. • Be alert and don’t use headphones. It is not only unsafe from the perspective of crime prevention, but you won’t hear bicyclists behind you or other potential problems. • Vary your routine. If you always start your run at one location, try a different route. • Trust your instincts. If you sense trouble with a person or a place, leave. • When you park your car, lock your doors, carry your keys with you, and do not leave wallets, cell phones, or other valuables in plain sight in your car. The major area of crime in the Wissahickon is in the parking lots. • Report suspicious activity by calling 911. • Visit www.fow.org frequently and follow FOW on Facebook and Twitter.  FOW posts crime alerts as necessary. Fairmount Park rangers can be reached at 215-685-2172. Also, Friends of the Wissahickon Trail Ambassadors are often in the park. Though their primary role is to provide information to park visitors about the Wissahickon, they can report any problems to Fairmount Park rangers.

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