Attack In Camden County Park Prompts Warning For Women

By Joe Holden

BERLIN, Nj, (CBS) -- A warning is being issued for women after a frightening attack that took place in a Camden County park. Police say a woman was assaulted while running at Berlin Park.

The park is a popular spot and people who live nearby say that it is a safe place, but the attack that took place has some unsettled.

Investigators say a man attempted to sexual assault the woman.

"That's terrifying," said Breanna Frick. "I always run with my mom and sister, but that's probably why and it's just so close to home that it makes it even scarier."

Word of what happened on Thursday morning was cause for alarm among people who regularly come to the park.

"It's an unfortunate thing that happened, but it does happen everywhere," one resident said.

Police say the victim was able to fight the man off, after he popped out of the woods and startled her. "She was able to kick, to punch, to do whatever she had to to get away from this individual," said Sgt. Mike Miller of the Berlin Borough Police. "The main thing is just to be aware of your surroundings."

Police say the victim dropped her phone during the scuffle. Another person called 9-1-1 and she was taken to the hospital.

The area surrounding that parked was sealed off by police as a State Police chopper was used to look from above. Their search for the attacker came up empty.

Runners are now reviewing safety measures and thinking before going out on that next jog.

"You don't think going for a run by yourself, anything is going to really happen," said Frick.