KENTWOOD, Mich. — A 24-year-old woman was physically assaulted while walking at East Paris Park in Kentwood on Monday evening, and police are still searching for the man responsible.
The Kentwood Police Department said the woman was walking in the park when a man physically assaulted her.
Police described the suspect as a Black male, around 30 years old with a thin build, last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a white shirt with colored squares.
I spoke with Cynthia, who was in the park at the same time and said she had a questionable encounter with a man matching the description.
"He was just walking alone, and then he asked if he could like fist bump us, and then we were like, 'Okay, sounds good.' And then just I thought it was weird, but didn't think anything of it," Cynthia said.
Cynthia said she had no idea the assault had occurred and reached out to Silent Observer after learning what happened. She also recalled seeing something unusual during her time at the park.
"We thought it was random, and then walked (around the park) the second time, and then there was a younger lady, and she was walking alone, and then behind her it was that guy again," Cynthia said.
Women Against Crime, a website that teaches situational awareness for women, offers safety tips that include:
- Staying aware of your surroundings
- Using a buddy system
- Have safety tools like pepper spray on hand
- Asses the area before going about your activity
Cynthia said she already follows similar precautions and plans to continue doing so.
"Since I'm relatively new to the area, I always make sure I have somebody with me, or bring a pepper spray," Cynthia said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer by calling 616-774-2345 or visiting SilentObserver.org.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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