Police search for suspect in sexual assault on well-traveled pathway

SANDY — Police were looking for a man Monday in connection with a sexual assault just off a well-traveled pathway that bends through the Dimple Dell gully.

Sgt. Jason Nielsen said a woman was heading along the walkway when the man forced her into a draw that is not visible from much of the surrounding land.

The man then sexually assaulted the woman before running away to the south, Nielsen said.

Police said the victim, who is believed to be about 40-years-old, suffered serious injuries during the attack.

Two other passersby spotted her around 1:00 p.m., and the group called for help.

The woman was listed in fair condition Monday afternoon, Nielsen said.

“This is extremely brazen,” Nielsen said. “This is in the middle of the daytime. As you can see, it’s a very utilized foot path. There are people constantly on it.”

Nielsen said the man was described as roughly 20-years-old, 6-feet-tall with a thin build, believed to be African American.

The man was wearing red, black and white Vans-style shoes, a black beanie with a yellow fish insignia, and a plaid jacket, according to police.

Residents from the surrounding neighborhood said they were stunned by what took place.

“Never in my life would I think something like that could happen here! Never!” exclaimed William Zeveney, who was walking through the area with a friend Monday evening.

Nielsen said the case did not match any other reports placed with the city recently.

Detectives were in the process of reaching out to other jurisdictions to determine whether they knew of any other sexual assaults involving a suspect with a similar description.

Zeveney said he hoped the suspect—whoever he is—is ultimately caught.

“I pray they catch him!” Zeveney said. “I don’t care. I’ll die for somebody. I’m not going to let them get hurt. Not like that. That’s not right!”