LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Police Department is investigating after they say a woman fought off a man who tried to abduct her while she was jogging.
Police said they were informed Thursday afternoon about a possible attempted abduction on the Prairie Park Nature Trail around 6:45 a.m. that day.
Lawrence police said a 40-year-old woman reported that a man attempted to grab her from behind as she jogged on the path. She was able to fight off the attacker and fled the area.
Investigators also said additional actions taken by the suspect indicate the crime may have been sexually motivated.
Police said the man was possibly associated with a blue tent that was near a picnic table in the center of the park.
This shocked many people who frequent the area like Matthew Leibold, "The idea of an attempted abduction is just kinda crazy."
"It’s terrifying, it really is. I don’t know how she got away, but my hat’s off to her," said Kathleen DuPree.
This incident reminded DuPree and others to bring a partner with you to Prairie Park Nature Preserve.
"It's unfortunate, but it's just the way of the world, so everybody has to be careful and take all kinds of precautions," said DuPree.
"Whenever I come out here, I normally come with a buddy anyways just for entertainment purposes but definitely from now on, I'll definitely bring a buddy," said Ethan Schneider.
The Lawrence Police Department is asking anyone who might have been in the area of Mary’s Lake or the Prairie Park Nature Trail on Thursday morning or anyone who might have seen someone on the path to contact the department at 785-832-7509.
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