Female jogger grabbed in Newark park; man sought

Rittenhouse Park Trail, off Park Drive in Newark.
Rittenhouse Park Trail, off Park Drive in Newark.

NEWARK, DELAWARE (5/21/2015) City police are looking for a man they say grabbed a female jogger in Rittenhouse Park.

The incident happened about 8 a.m. Tuesday when she ran past the man who was standing near the trail.

The man grabbed her from behind and held her, police said, but she was able to break free and escape.

She returned home and called police.

Officers including a K-9 team searched the area but were unable to locate the man, Lt. Bill Hargrove said.

The jogger was not injured.

The man was described as white, 29-31 years old, with dark hair and a dark bushy beard. He was wearing a white and red plaid shirt and khaki pants, and was carrying a blue bag.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective James Skinner at 302-366-7100 ext. 3135 or James.skinner@cj.state.de.us.

Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.