With W&OD Assault, Spring Comes Early to Reston Trails

A woman was attacked on the W&OD Trail near the Reston-Herndon border on Tuesday night.

A 31-year-old woman reported to police that she was attacked while walking along the W and OD Trail on Tuesday, January 29 around 7 p.m. She entered the trail off of Reston Avenue and was near the overpass for Herndon Parkway when she noticed a man following her. Near Sunset Hills Road, the woman was dragged off of the path, into a wooded area. The victim struggled with her attacker and he eventually fled north onto a gravel horse trail. The victim did not require medical attention.

The suspect was described as heavy set, about 25 years old. He was clean shaven and he had short, black hair. He was wearing glasses, a dark jacket and dark jeans.

Police urge anyone planning to walk along more secluded trails, away from common view, to consider walking with a friend. Do not wear ear buds or earphones, be aware of your surroundings, and tell someone where you are going before you leave.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Springlike weather has brought out creeps on the Reston trails in the past, but this is particularly brazen -- and upsetting. It sounds like the woman fought off the attacker, so good on her.

Meanwhile, this story has surfaced a toxic brew of comments chock full of racial undertones, conceal-carry boosterism, and the obligatory blame-the-victim over at our BFFs at Patch. Happy Thursday!