Man kicked, punched on Durham's American Tobacco Trail

Durham, N.C. — Police said Monday that a man was attacked on Durham's American Tobacco Trail Sunday evening – the 14th such report this year.

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.

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Latest Comments

After all the incidents on the ATT this year, I question this jogger's judgment as @ 5:45PM, it is DARK at this time of year. The ATT has signs posted that the trail closes at dark. The portion of the trail that I used in 2011 did NOT have lights unless it was close to a residential area.

pedsRN
December 19, 2012 5:07 p.m.

No one is allowed to carry a loaded weapon on the ATT. Hunters are allowed on the trail but can not shoot from the trail. That being said, You can have an unloaded weapon on the trail and a magazine. When trouble comes your way run off the trail while putting your mag in your weapon and defend yourself as the need arises. So if you are attacked get off the trail and then fire. Remember that just recently the Supreme court ruled that American citizens have a right to defend themselves.

doggypoos
December 19, 2012 1:30 p.m.

hangry::::It would be nice if these community leaders would become more vocal now before a shooting occurs. They could start raising issues like parental accountability and what resources are available for our youth.

That does not fit their agenda at all. Think about it. How many times have you seen or heard any of these so-called community leaders try to help the youth? The Simmerman case is a perfect example. These folks ought to get off their duffs and work with the kids to teach them better. Obviously, the kids are not getting that at home.

driverkid3
December 19, 2012 9:18 a.m.

trianglerelic::::So long as the county bans LEGALLY Concealed Carry handguns, this will just continue to happen. The city prevents you and I from protecting ourselves against ciminals.

Maybe one should ask the county attorney why they are giving free reign to the criminals? Why are they giving a silent OK for these punks to kill someone or do so much damage the victim might as well be dead? Maybe the folks that don't want CC there ought to be FORCED to walk it ALONE and without protection.

driverkid3
December 19, 2012 8:35 a.m.

"I don't think the solution to strong arm robbery and assault is to kill them."

That's exactly the solution.