STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - Almost three weeks after the attack, police urge State College cyclists to keep their eyes open.
About three weeks ago, a Penn State grad student was attacked with a knife on a bike trail. Penn State Police still don't have a suspect in custody, but aren't giving up on the search.
Penn State Police say they've been back to the crime scene numerous times. The original search area went from Sunset Park to I-99. While police now think the attacker fled the area immediately after the attack, they say they've gotten information from canvassing the area, and working
with other police departments.
It happened on a bike trail near Sunset Park on December 12th. The 40 year old grad student told police a man cut her neck with a knife. She was able to bite his hand and get away. Penn State Police Chief Tyrone Parham says she was attacked from behind, so she didn't get a good look at
him, but she doesn't think they knew each other.
"He was probably gone at that point, if you see the amount of thick woods and brush that surrounds that area, also I-99, the expressway, we think that he actually disappeared. We actually had infrared helicopters and air support that had heat sensors looking for people in the woods, so
we're pretty sure he was gone. we've talked to all the residents in McKee Street, College Heights, West Aaron Drive, all of the areas, also out in Patton Township. All of those residences have been canvassed..."
Chief Parham adds that they've sent evidence from the area to a crime lab and are looking at past cases for clues. And until they make an arrest, he's telling area cyclists to use caution, and stay aware.
"I think they should still be pretty cautious, we still haven't caught the person yet, so he's still out there whether he's in this community or another community. I think residents should remain cautious, any one on that trail as well as other community trails and parks, I think should
be in groups, not alone and remain extra cautious, and if they see somebody suspicious dial 911 right away."
Penn State Police say that they're still looking for two to three people who were in the park at the time of the attack. They're asking them to call 911 even if they didn't see the attack or the alleged attacker. Penn State Police describe the alleged attacker as a white man, about 5'8", with a slim to medium build. He could still have a bite mark on his hand from the victim. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately.
