Add this disturbing story to the list of reasons to never-ever be on Linden Avenue by yourself once the sun goes down.
On January 29th, at approximately 1:50 AM, North Precinct officers responded to a 911 call from a woman at North 43rd Street and Linden Avenue North. The victim stated that she was out for a run when she was approached by an unknown male walking toward her. The victim stated that she changed direction to avoid the suspect, but that he grabbed her from behind and knocked her down. He assaulted her while she was on the ground. The victim was able to fight the man, and he ran off toward Aurora Avenue North. The woman was able to call 911 and police arrived immediately. An extensive area search was conducted, including K9, but officers were unable to locate the suspect. Seattle Fire Department responded to the location and treated the victim for minor injuries. The suspect is described as a male with olive complexion, approximately 5′-09″, with a muscular build and clean shaven. He is believed to be around 30 years old. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt. Detectives from the Sexual Assault Unit are conducting the follow up investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact them at (206) 684-5575 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (206) 684-5575 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Thankfully, the victim was able to fight him off. Buddy system, you guys.
Update: The victim e-mailed some more specifics about the incident and the perpetrator:
I was out jogging in the Fremont neighborhood at 1am in the morning when I saw a suspicious male that was going the opposite direction turn around and follow me, I looped up and around the block towards Aurora Ave and when I was almost to the corner of 42nd Ave and Linden Ave (just 2 blocks off of Fremont) I was attacked abruptly from behind and slammed to the ground. The attacker tried to get my pants down and reached inside them and grabbed my thigh, causing lacerations with his nails. At this time I started elbowing him in the face as hard as I could and screaming. He then slammed my head into the cement so hard I lost consciousness. When I came to, he was gone, I found my cellphone in the grass and called 911. The police responded immediately. I was treated for a concussion and numerous contusions to my face and legs at Swedish Meidcal Center.
Description of perp: 5’10”-6′ tall, broad shouldered, darker skinned, clean shaven, wearing dark hoodie with the hood up.
Update 2: As you may have heard, there have been other recent attacks on joggers in Seattle. No word on whether or not these attacks are related to the Fremont one.