Woman chased while walking trail at Westville Dam
Police in Southbridge and Sturbridge are warning residents to be on alert after a woman was reportedly chased by an unknown man while she was walking on a trail near the Westville Dam.
Southbridge police posted on Facebook that the incident occurred Monday at approximately 9:30 a.m. and officers from Southbridge and Sturbridge responded and searched the area without finding the suspect.
The woman who was chased told police that she had parked her car at the Westville Lake Recreation Area parking lot and proceeded to walk along a trail on the Sturbridge side, then walked through the recreation area parking lot and onto the street and re-entered the trail on the Southbridge side when a vehicle slowed down alongside of her.
When the driver motioned for her to come over to him, she told police that she ignored him.
She continued to walk away, but as she made her way along the trail, she noticed that he was now following her. She told police that she called her boyfriend on her cellphone and started running away as the man began to run towards her.
At some point he gave up the chase and returned to his vehicle and left the area, and the victim made it to her vehicle safely.
Police said the woman described the vehicle as a dark-colored older model sedan that’s similar to a Pontiac, possibly a 4-door with round tail lights. The suspect is described as a cleanshaven white man approximately 50 years old, wearing blue jeans and a dark colored hooded sweatshirt. He appeared to have white or gray hair coming from underneath his hood, police said.
“The Southbridge and Sturbridge Police Departments strongly advise all residents to use care when enjoying any trails or walkways throughout our communities,’’ the Facebook post states. “If possible, walk with a friend and avoid using headphones or any form of distraction and be vigilantly aware of your surroundings at all times. If anything does not look or feel right please call 911 and we will happily respond to assist.’’
Anyone who has experienced a similar incident or has any questions or concerns is encouraged to call the Southbridge Police Department at 508-764-5420.
