Woman attacked on Walnut Creek Trail, Raleigh police looking for suspect :: WRAL.com

Raleigh Police are searching for the suspect involved in an attack on a woman on the Walnut Creek Trail early Sunday morning.

Officers responded to the 1800 block of S. Saunders St. around 8:27 a.m. for a reported assault.

Upon arrival, they spoke with the female victim, who suffered facial injuries after being shot by a male suspect.

“I had traveled this long distance and I noticed a man in front of me,” the victim said. “And when he came up to me, he reached out and hit me in the face.”

After the attack, the suspect fled the scene.

“I have multiple fractures on my face. The victim, my orbital bone, my jaw, my cheekbone were broken,” he said.

And this isn’t the only serious attack to occur on the trail around the exact same location.

In August 2020, cyclist Chauney Depew died after being stabbed multiple times in the back.

Regina Brooks is part of the triangle female cyclist group Black Girls Do Cycle. He says his group stays away from a certain part of the trail and he never rides alone.

“It’s troubling that this happened at one of the trails we frequent,” Depew said. “Even if we had to separate, we wouldn’t let a lady ride alone. No matter who they were or what their speed.”

Kelsi Farren, an avid Triangle runner, calls the situation horrific. He told me how he stays safe while running alone on our Raleigh greenways.

“Safety is something that’s always on my mind. “I don’t think it ever left my mind from the moment I started running until I stopped it,” said Kelsi Farren, an avid runner. “I’m constantly thinking about the route I’m running. Is it safe? Is it well lit enough? Is this a space where I would feel comfortable if my phone died?”

This incident is still under investigation and there is no one in custody.

Many runners and cyclists recommend not visiting trails alone, but if you must go alone, always let someone know your location.

Police said they work closely with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources to ensure the safety and enjoyment of parks and greenways.