Woman Attacked On Villa Park Trail
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police in west suburban Villa Park were searching for a man who attacked a woman on a popular trail early Wednesday.
The woman was walking alone on the Great Western Trail around 7:40 a.m. Wednesday, between Harvard Avenue and Westmore Road, when she was approached from behind and beaten.
Police have not said where the woman was struck, or if a weapon was used in the attack. The victim suffered minor injuries, and nothing was stolen during the attack.
The victim refused to be taken to a hospital, and instead was treated by paramedics at the scene. Her injuries were minor.
As of Thursday morning, no one was in custody.
The trail is a magnet for bikers, hikers, joggers, and dog walkers from all over the area. Jennifer Fink was on the trail just before the victim was attacked. She was back on the trail Thursday morning, but a little more prepared.
"I'm afraid, but not too concerned," she said. "I brought Mace."
Jenny Golba also heard about the attack, but decided to run the very same section where the victim was assaulted. She said she was surprised to hear about the attack, and if she sees someone she normally doesn't see on the trail, she'll turn around and go the other way.
Police warned local residents to travel in groups whenever possible. They also suggested people avoid using cell phones or earbuds in the area, to avoid being distracted.
Until someone is caught, police had advice for local residents.
"This is an isolated incident. This is not a commonplace practice, and I want them to know we've increased our patrols in the area, plus we put some covert surveillance cameras out to see if we can see who else is using the path," Villa Park Police Chief Bob Pavelchik said.
Anyone with information about the attack should call Villa Park police.