CRIME

Mount Ephraim police seek info after woman reports Haddon Lake Park assault

Sheri Berkery
The Courier-Post

MOUNT EPHRAIM -  A woman's evening run ended in a terrifying encounter when she was grabbed from behind, police said. 

The woman reported she was running on the track at Haddon Lake Park around 7 p.m. Sunday when a male grabbed her. She struggled with her attacker and managed to escape with just minor scrapes and bruises, police said. 

As the woman got away, she told police, she spotted a man wearing a puffy black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, possibly a mask and black shoes running into the wooded area toward the Mount Ephraim Little League baseball fields. 

The Oaklyn Police Department's K-9 team assisted with a search, leading to a male who fit the attacker's description, police said. The male was taken into custody, questioned and released with unrelated charges. Though the male is considered a suspect, he has not been directly tied to or charged in the assault. 

Police remind runners of these safety tips: 

  • Try to avoid running at night or when there is not much daylight. If you do, carry a flashlight or use a head-mounted light. 
  • Wear bright, reflective clothing and try to remain in well-lit portions of your route. 
  • Always try to run in pairs. Even if you don't have a running partner, trying to stay close enough to other runners who could hear or see you. 
  • Reduce the volume of earbuds or headphones or avoid them altogether. 
  • Prepare your phone for a quick 911 call. Most mobile devices have features that allow a series of button presses or just a verbal command to dial 911. 

Anyone with information on the Haddon Lake Park investigation is asked to contact Sgt. Jason Dobleman at jdobleman@mountephraimpd.com or Mount Ephraim Police dispatch at 856-931-2220.

Sheri Berkery: @SheriBerkery; 856-486-2673; sberkery@gannettnj.com

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