Teen reports being raped in Fayetteville park

The teen said she left the Main Headquarters Library shortly before 8 p.m. Thursday and was walking through Linear Park when a man grabbed her, pulled her into some bushes and raped her, police said. The man fled in the direction of Mason Street, and the girl ran back to the library to call for help.

The assailant is described as white, in his 50s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. He had short, brown hair, a salt-and-pepper mustache and beard and blue or gray eyes, and he was wearing a gray shirt, dark-colored pants and gray and white shoes.

The incident is the fifth reported rape in Fayetteville in three weeks, but police have said that they don't believe the attacks are related.

Residents who frequent Linear Park say they are surprised to hear of an attack.

"I'm from Los Angeles, so growing up, we were always concerned (about violence)," Jennifer Washington said. "Being in a smaller town, you thought you could let your kids get, maybe, a little further distance from you, but I guess not."

"I can't believe it," John Brewer said. "I've seen a lot in this town. That takes my breath away."

Anyone with information about the assault is asked to call the Fayetteville Police Department at 910-433-1856 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).