Two women were nearly assaulted at Shepherd Park in northwest Houston on consecutive days.
HOUSTON — Women nearly assaulted two days in a row are forcing increased patrols in a northwest Houston park. Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen says someone willing to do this in broad daylight is a major cause for concern.
One woman screamed fire, and others came to her aid. But this happened in the middle of the day. Authorities say as they work to catch him, they urge the public to keep their eyes and ears open and walk in pairs.
The trails at Shepherd Park bring out people who love the outdoors. But in recent days, Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen says it’s brought out a criminal. Wednesday and Thursday, women were attacked here.
“Somebody’s willing to attack somebody in the open broad daylight, there’s a real call for concern.”
The latest would-be victim was dragged into the bushes but managed to escape. Constable Rosen says she yelled fire, and others nearby ran to help. The suspect disappeared. Fire is a good word, he says, to help raise the alarm.
“Fire because automatically that does, we all know what fire means and so that’s going to raise our awareness when we hear that. Carry a whistle.”
Rosen is encouraging trail-goers to walk in pairs. Keep only one earbud in to make sure you can hear what’s happening around you. Also be mindful going around bends or densely brushed areas.
“I just hope they find him. I hope everyone stays safe,” said one woman who lives nearby. She didn’t want to share her identity but uses this trail often. She says the whole neighborhood is talking about it and on alert.
“I’m honestly glad we’re getting some traction and I’m glad you guys are out here to kind of put people on alert. You have to watch your surroundings.”
The constable says both women walked away uninjured. But the fear of what could have happened remains.
“We felt like prior to this we could and we felt OK doing that but now it’s put all of us in a panic,” she said.
The constable’s office says they’ll have added patrol in both marked and unmarked vehicles. The constable says the suspect description is so vague right now they are working to identify him. But they want you to report anything suspicious.
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