CRIME

St. George police seek suspect after sexual assault on walking path

Aug 21, 2024, 11:17 PM | Updated: 11:20 pm

ST. GEORGE — Police on Wednesday said they were still looking for a suspect who sexually assaulted a woman in her 70s on a walking path.

It happened Monday on a path near the Man-O-War bridge, according to St. George Police spokesperson Tiffany Mitchell.

Mitchell said the unknown man approached the woman from behind, grabbed and groped her, and then ran.

“We were unable to locate that male even though we responded very quickly, lots of officers there,” Mitchell told KSL TV. “Even with the use of our drones, we were not able to locate this male.”

Mitchell said officers have also combed the area since, but still no signs of the suspect.

This was the second recent sexual assault case along the Virgin River Trail System, and police believed there was a “strong possibility” the same man was responsible for both, Mitchell said.

“Those trails in general—there’s a lot of places to hide,” Mitchell said. “There’s bushes and shrubs and trees and so it’s easy for someone to disappear or hide themselves, unfortunately.”

Police said people heading out to the area to exercise should consider wearing only one earbud at a time, keeping one ear free to hear what’s going on in the surrounding environment.

They also said it was good to go out with a phone and possibly a weapon, like mace, to counter a possible attack.

Investigators said the suspect is being described as a man with a dark skin tone and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a golden brown-colored shirt, black shorts, and possibly a hat or beanie.

Anybody with information was asked to contact the St. George Police Department at 435-627-4300.

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun. (KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Sandy Police say 2 men arrested after armed pursuit of family in car

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun.

14 hours ago

Handcuffs used at the decommissioned Draper Prison....

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

A Uintah County woman investigators say was putting a household cleaner in her children's water to help with weight loss has been arrested.

2 days ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks last week.

2 days ago

An officer assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad ...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest 2 people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for a suspected drug trafficking operation in Library Square. 

4 days ago

Autumn Mercado, who was found dead in her home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Charges pending in case of West Jordan mother found dead, family seeks justice and protection for children

Nearly a month after the discovery of a West Jordan woman's body during a welfare check, charges in the case have yet to be filed.

5 days ago

Friends and family leaving flowers and mementos in front of Heather Barela's photo....

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

Charges have officially been filed against a 15-year-old accused of killing a family member and wounding another in Santa Clara on Jan. 30.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

St. George police seek suspect after sexual assault on walking path