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Charlottesville Police working to identify suspect in Riverview Park groping

walker on dirt trail
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The Charlottesville Police Department criminal investigations division is looking into an assault that occurred near Riverview Park on Wednesday.

The suspect reportedly approached the victim, an adult female, made several statements to her, and then touched her backside.

The suspect is described as a thin white male in his late teens with shaggy blonde hair and a mustache.

The victim was able to shove the suspect away before the suspect fled the area on foot.

Upon receiving this report, officers responded to the area of the park and connected trails and provided extra patrols throughout the evening.

Detectives have continued to canvas the area for witnesses and video evidence.

At this time, based on the differing suspect description, age range, and the fact that a statement was made to the victim, CPD believes that this assault is not related to assaults on the Rivanna Trail.

Investigations continue of the incidents on the Rivanna Trail, according to the CPD.

If you have any information related to this incident or have security cameras in the area, please contact Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (434) 977-4000.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.