Woman Attacked Along Fayetteville Nature Trail

Fayetteville, N.C. — Police are investigating a report of an attempted sexual assault in the northern part of the city – the same area in which they believe three rapes are linked.

Authorities said they were unsure whether the attack that happened Tuesday was related to the rapes.

Police said the victim was walking along the Cape Fear River Trail near Rivercliffe Road when a man attempted to assault her. She was able to escape and call for help.

Investigators are trying to determine whether the assailant is the same man they believe is responsible for three rapes in the North Ramsey Street area since 2006.

In each of those cases, police said, the assailant watched his victims and knew their routines and schedules.

That man is described as a white or Hispanic man with close-cut or shaven dark hair in his early 20s to early 30s. He stands 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet 3 inches tall, is of an average to medium build and is slightly athletic and muscular.

The only description police have of the assailant in Tuesday's case is that he is skinny.

Authorities have said women should remain alert and urge them to use precaution. Read police safety tips.

Anyone with information regarding any of these assaults should contact the Fayetteville Police Department at 910-433-1856.

Police said the trail is normally safe with two officers on patrol full-time and emergency call boxes about every half-mile. Crews were putting up warning signs in the area Thursday.