Fort Worth police are increasing patrols along the Trinity Trails after a naked man attacked a jogger there over the weekend.
Witnesses first saw the man sitting on a bench by the trails near the 1800 block of Rogers Road at about 5:45 p.m. Saturday. Police say he then took off his shorts and got on a bicycle.
Half an hour later, a woman was jogging eastbound on the south side of the trail path when she saw the naked man, who had stopped riding the bike and was sitting nearby.
She immediately turned around and started running the other way. Police say the man chased her down, punched her and threw her to the ground before she was able to get away and call police.
Investigators are still searching for the suspect, and they're hoping some new equipment will help find him fast.
On a quiet afternoon on the trail, the noise of a Fort Worth police dirt bike engine revving is a welcome interruption for visitors.
"We like to be out where people can see us and they know we're here," said Sgt. David Hobbs, of the FWPD Motor Unit. "So that gives them a little peace of mind knowing we're out here."
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And that presence is growing. The Tarrant Regional Water District recently donated eight new dirt bikes to Fort Worth police. Now they're training all the officers in the motor unit to get more security out in city parks and trails.
"There's a lot of wooded areas in there that patrol cars can't get to that we could easily get to very quickly," said Officer Walter May, an instructor for the FWPD Motor Unit.
Increased patrols will continue along the Trinity Trails as officers focus their mission on finding the naked man who chased down and assaulted a jogger Saturday.
"Trying to look for anybody that fits the description of our suspect at this point," Hobbs said.
It's a startling incident that shows the need for the department's new off-road equipment.
"This is kind of the first time that we've been able to use them out here on a search-type mission to try to find someone," Hobbs said.
And with many trail users now on alert, it's good to know someone has their back.
"Especially with our little kids around. It's nice to have the extra eyes to keep us safe," said Christopher Ruiz, out walking the trail with his young son.
Police said the attacker was a white man, in his late teens or early 20s, approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a fit build. He has short brown hair, but no facial hair.
Anyone with information on this suspect or crime is asked to call police at 817-392-4359.
