Man kicked, punched on Durham's American Tobacco Trail

Investigators said the 35-year-old-man was walking to the trail around 5:45 p.m. to go jogging when several teens dressed in dark clothing chased him from the Carolina Circle access ramp to the trail and then kicked and punched him.

The man was taken to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries, which police said were not life-threatening.

Investigators said the teens asked the man for money but did not take anything. Police did not release further details about the teens.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the Durham Police Department at 919-560-4583, extension 29364, or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.

Thirteen other crimes have been reported this year on the 7.5-mile stretch of the trail that cuts through Durham. They include seven assaults, four robberies, one attempted robbery and a case of indecent exposure.

The city has stepped up patrols on the trail and have started a watch program aimed to help make the area safer.

Police urge those using the trail to be aware of their surroundings at all times, walk in well-lit areas, avoid strangers or groups of strangers and to call 911 to report any suspicious activities.