Woman fights off teen robber on Raleigh greenway trail, police say

Raleigh police have taken a juvenile robbery suspect into custody and Chapel Hill police have stepped up patrols after reported assaults on greenway trails in recent days.

Just before 8:30 a.m. Monday, Raleigh police responded to a reported assault on the greenway trail near Longstreet Drive and Bent Creek Drive, according to a news release.

They found a woman who told them she had fought off an assailant. She was injured and was taken to the hospital for treatment, the release stated.

The suspect, a juvenile, was also injured and was treated by EMS workers at the scene. He was taken into custody and charged with common law robbery, according to the news release. Common-law robbery involves force or the threat of force and is separate from robbery committed with a firearm.

A man who saw the incident called 911 as it was happening, reported ABC11, The News & Observer’s news-gathering partner.

“There is somebody being attacked on the greenway,” the caller said. “The man was top on of her; the woman was walking and she ran.”

Anyone who may have helpful information is asked to visit Crimestoppers at www.p3tips.com/89 for anonymous reporting options or to call 919-996-1193.

Chapel Hill incidents at Meadowmont

The Chapel Hill Police Department is increasing patrols around Meadowmont Lane and Sprunt Street after two reports of a man inappropriately touching women on the Meadowmont Trail.

The paved greenway trail starts at Rashkis Elementary School and ends at the western side of N.C. 54.

The first incident occurred at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday. The second was reported at 8:13 a.m. Monday. No one was physically injured in either case, police said.

The suspect in both incidents is described as a man, roughly 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a slim build, wearing dark sweatpants, a dark hoodie and a blue surgical-style mask.

Police ask anyone who may have helpful information to call 919-968-2760 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday). Callers who want to remain anonymous can call Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC Crimestoppers at 919-942-7515 or visit chapelhillcrimestoppers.com/