Woman Riding Bike Fights Off Man Who Attempted To Attack Her Along Great Allegheny Passage
WHITAKER BOROUGH (KDKA) -- A woman is recovering after being attacked by a man while riding her bike on the Great Allegheny Passage.
"I try not to have people follow me. I see the same people usually on my routes, so I feel safe, ya know?" said Betsey Tuttle.
Tuttle is an avid runner. She says she keeps her ears and eyes wide open when she's out.
"I mean, I definitely plan my runs around not trying to run at night even when it gets dark, like in a few weeks, when it's dark, I'll be running in the morning," said Tuttle.
KDKA's Lindsay Ward Reports
She tells KDKA she typically switches up her routine.
But after finding out a woman was attacked along the Great Allegheny Passage trail in Whitaker Borough, she's thinking twice about exercising alone.
"I'm glad you stopped me, because I'm just going to go the other way," she said.
It was on Tuesday, just before 5 p.m., when police say a woman, who was riding her bike was knocked off by a man. They say he got on top of her and exposed himself.
The woman was able to fight him off and scream for help. Police said the woman kicked the man repeatedly in the chest, so it is likely he has bruises or abrasions.
Police say two other cyclists nearby stopped and helped her. They chased the man and attempted to catch him, but couldn't.
The woman was taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries.
WATCH: KDKA's Pam Surano reports on the new details released on the suspect in the attack.
Several police officers from different departments searched the area for the man. Police K-9's were also brought in, but they didn't find anything or anyone.
Investigators describe the suspect as a black man in his 20s with a medium build, wearing dirty blue jeans rolled up to the ankle and brown loafer-like shoes that were dirty. He also had a bandage or some wrap on his wrist.
He is approximately 5-feet-10-inches tall, with short hair on the sides and no facial hair.
Police also said he may have a speech impediment or be nonverbal. He also has thin lips and a thin nose.
Officials said businesses in the area are familiar with a male matching this description, describing him walking from Mifflin Street towards the Waterfront with no shirt.
Allegheny County Police are investigating.
They are asking if you know anything about this incident or the man they're searching for, to reach out to them at 1-833-255-8477.
