Thornton Police Continue Search For Bike Path Groper
THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Thornton continue to search for a man who is accused of groping women at a popular bike path in town.
Police say there have been two incidents at the bike paths along East 128th Avenue between York and Steele streets.
In both incidents the women say they were approached by a man from behind and touched inappropriately. Then the man let go of the women and sped away on a bicycle.
News of the incidents has many women who run on the path frightened because they say there are parts of the path where they can't see if anyone is hiding until the last minute.
"I enjoy it because there are not a lot of people out here," runner Janel Rash said.
Rash is training for a triathlon, but news of a groper on the bike path has her running scared.
"I just try to keep on the lookout and keep my music down low and turn around and check," Rash said.
Rash said her husband purchased some mace for her to take on her runs.
Nicole Renner now no longer runs the path without her dog.
"I don't know that my dog would let anyone get too close to me," Renner said. "Maybe I should find somewhere else to go."
But others, like Rash, won't let it shatter her peace and quiet.
"I think I would still run. I wouldn't want someone -- one person -- to prevent me from doing what I enjoy so much, and in the area I enjoy it," Rash said. "Maybe he will stop."
The suspect is described as white, possibly in his 20s, approximately 5-foot-9, with light or brown curly/wavy hair. Clothing descriptions were different in both incidents.
Additional Information From Thornton Police
Please advise the Thornton Police Department (720-977-5150) if you have any information reference these incidents or if there is information about the male involved. Alternately, information can be shared with Metro Area Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
