Jogger assaulted in West Seattle

By ELISA HAHN / KING 5 News

SEATTLE – The search is on for a man who assaulted a jogger Monday afternoon at Lincoln Park - a popular West Seattle park and a favorite for joggers.

Many assume it’s safe, at least in the daylight. But Monday at about 3:45 p.m., a woman in her 30’s was attacked by a man while jogging on a trail in the south end of the park.

The suspect jumped her and threw her down.

The woman fought back and the suspect fled into a nearby neighborhood.

“I hit him on the ankle. I wish I could have run a little faster, but I’m 41 years old,” said one witness who tried to chase the man down.

Seattle Police combed the neighborhood just east of Lincoln Park searching for the suspect.

The suspect is 25 to 35 years old, about 5-foot-7, with light brown hair, possibly balding. He was wearing a white, oversized sweatshirt with a pattern on it, and gray sweatpants.

Officers searched the neighborhood for at least 2 hours, but the suspect got away.

It was not clear if the suspect’s motive was sexual assault, abduction or robbery.

The victim suffered only minor injuries and did not need medical attention.