Edgartown police continue to investigate an alleged sexual assault that took place in the state forest last week.
In a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, police said they are running down leads based on responses from a community alert issued April 2, the day the assault was reported.
On that day the 58-year-old alleged victim told police she was walking her dogs on the southeast side of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest on a trail near the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, when she was sexually assaulted by an unknown male who had a knife. The victim was able to provide police with a very detailed description of the attacker.
“This alleged incident is very disturbing and unsettling to say the least,” an earlier statement posted on the police department’s Facebook page said. “Our department is using every resource that is available to us, including reaching out to outside agencies, with more resources than we have on Martha’s Vineyard.”
Police said they are looking for a man in his late 20s or early 30s. They released the following description after the alleged assault was first reported: “Muscular build, light brown sandy colored hair, unkempt over ears and curly in back, scruffy facial hair, wearing old faded light blue jeans with some holes in the thighs, dark colored pocket T-shirt, light blue or green button down chambray shirt over the T-shirt, and tan work boot.” The press release added that the suspect “had a gold stud piercing in his left ear, a silver bracelet on his left wrist, and a small tattoo on the thumb webbing of his right hand (round nickel size circle with letter in middle).”
Despite the detailed description, police said in the statement that they would not be releasing a composite sketch of the suspect. “For reasons we can’t divulge to protect the privacy of the victim, that investigative technique is not an option at this time,” the statement said. “Please understand that these types of investigations can be very complicated and prolonged. Rest assured we will explore every lead and investigative technique available to us in order to solve this case.”
In the release issued Wednesday this week, police said they had received reports from a jogger who had discovered a tent site in the state forest, but after investigation police said they had located the occupant of the site and ruled him out as a suspect.
Police continue to say they believe the incident was isolated, but have asked people to be careful.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Edgartown police at (508) 627-4343, email crimetips@edgartown-ma.us, or text a tip to 774-310-1190.
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