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Police Boosting Patrols On Lansing's River Trail After Assault Report

Posted: 3:40 PM May 21, 2012
Reporter: Lindsay Veremis

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Police are boosting patrols on Lansing's River Trail, after a 62-year-old woman reported an assault there Sunday afternoon.

"We're taking a real pro-active stance on it, we're going to get real serious about it," Public Information Officer Robert Merritt, with the Lansing Police Department said.

According to police, the woman was riding her bike on the trail near Beech and Elm around 2:30 p.m. She stopped to rest on a bench and was approached by a man in his 50's.

Officers say the man began a conversation, then attacked the woman, touching her inappropriately.

"She was able to fight off this gentleman and rode away and was able to give us a real good description," Merritt added.

Police describe the suspect as a white man, six feet tall, with shoulder-length scruffy, gray hair. He was wearing a sleeveless shirt, jeans and square-rimmed glasses at the time of the attack.

If you see this person, police say you should not approach him. Instead call 911 or the police department.

Those who frequent the River Trail were disappointed to hear of the assault, but say they still feel safe there

"I think it's beautiful," Alan Orseske said. "A lot of bikes, a lot of kids, people walking around."

The Lansing Police Department says bike patrols are riding the trail looking for the suspect. Volunteers with the city's River Patrol will also be keeping watch.

"Being here on the riverfront, you know we get people that say we're just comfortable to see you out here, we feel more comfortable being on the river walk," volunteer Paul Schafer said.

The River Patrol has two carts active on the trail. Volunteers say problems are rare.

"I've never had an issue, or seen an issue on the trial," Orseske said.