Woman Attacked While Jogging In Popular Westchester Park
LEWISBORO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A woman was attacked in a popular Westchester park while jogging with her dog.
Now, the search is on for the suspect.
As CBS2's Brian Conybeare reported, the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is Westchester County's largest public park, with more than 4,000 acres of hiking trails and nature preserves in upscale Lewisboro, N.Y.
Park employee Robert Calabrese said he was stunned to hear that a female jogger wearing headphones and running with her dog was assaulted at 12 p.m. Wednesday near the Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area. He's worked in the park for 38 years.
"There were patrol cars, at least two K9 units and a police helicopter," he said. "I have never heard of anything like this happening, not even remotely resembling anything like that."
The suspect allegedly followed the woman along a trail in the woods, grabbing her by the neck and tackling her to the ground. But she fought back ferociously, kicking him and managing to get away.
The terrified victim ran back to her car in the parking lot and called her husband, who notified the authorities.
Mark Ferguson, of Brooklyn, said he has been visiting the park since he was a kid. He brought his wife and 6-year-old son up from Williamsburg.
"We were on the same trail," he said.
The suspect was described as a white man in his 40s. Police said he was gaunt, unshaven and wearing camouflage clothing.
Both park-goers and workers want him to be caught before anyone else is attacked.
"This is, in spite of that incident, a safe park," Calabrese said.
Westchester County Police told CBS2 they have identified a person of interest, but so far no one has been charged.
