THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) — The Thomasville Police Department has implemented extra safety precautions in and around Cherokee Park after a 22-year-old Thomasville woman was exercising alone at Cherokee Lake Park Monday night when a man walked past her, turned around, struck her on the face and fled, she told police.
According to the report, after the man walked past the victim, she saw his shadow stop and turn back toward her. As she turned around, the man struck her on the left cheek and ran north on a trail that leads into Lake Eagle Drive.
The victim screamed for help and two people nearby ran to her aid.
The incident occurred at about 9:20 p.m. The park is open until 11 p.m.
The man fled through a pathway north of the park, the same pathway from which the woman saw the man enter the Covington Avenue park prior to the attack, according to the Thomasville police.
Officers and a police K-9 searched the area behind Lake Eagle Drive residences, across the street and onto James Street, where tracking ended at a cul de sac.
According to the report, the K-9 circled a James Street residence multiple times. They believe the suspect entered the residence or got into a vehicle, the report states.
The suspect was described as Black with light skin, approximately 5'6", weighing about 180 pounds, with a partially-shaved head, light facial hair, wearing a baggy red-orange shirt, and gray baggy pants.
Additional lighting has been established in the area where the woman was attacked and officers routinely walk the park trail.
If you have any information please contact the Thomasville Police Department at 229-227-3249.
