Cops: Jogger attacks woman walking dogs

VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) -- A woman was attacked by a jogger while walking her dogs in Vernon Wednesday night.

Around 7:15 p.m., police received a 911 call from a female victim who reported that she was attacked while walking her dogs on a section of the Vernon Rails-To-Trails.

According to police, the 30-year-old victim was walking on a section of the Rails-To-Trails, in the area between Route 30 and Center Road. While the female was walking, she was approached by a suspect who was jogging toward her. The suspect jogged past her and then approached the victim from behind. The suspect made a few comments to the victim, then attacked her. The suspect knocked the woman down and pinned her to the ground. The woman fought with the suspect and was screaming for help. The suspect let go of her and took off running. The man was last seen running toward Route 30.

The suspect was described as a white man, in his late 30's, between 5'9" and 6' tall with a thin build. The man had gray hair with a short crew cut style hair cut. He was wearing a mostly plain white t-shirt and dark-colored athletic shorts.

Police said the suspect may frequent the Rails-To-Trails jogging.

Officers and a K9 unit searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

Police said it is likely that someone may have seen the suspect on the Rails-To-Trails prior to the incident or after the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call Vernon Detectives at 860-872-9126.