SAFETY ALERT

Please see the personal report below regarding a walker on the Reston Pathway. As always, please be aware of your surroundings when out running or walking. Do not go out alone, and remember to have a cell phone with you. Your safety is our concern.

On the morning of March 15, a woman was walking on the path back from Twin Branches along the trail that runs along the stream between the houses on Glade and Howland. She was with her dog, and noticed that she was being followed. She allowed the man to pass by and even acknowledged him, but then he slowed down and repeatedly looked backward. He was then out of sight. The woman noticed that he was wearing latex gloves. When she saw this, she turned and started back toward Twin Branches. At this point, the man started running after her. She was able to get to a house where a Good Samaritan let her in. This incident has been reported to the Reston/Fairfax police.

“The man was large, as in “built” not “fat”, with broad shoulders and a broad face. Big and strong-looking. No facial hair. African-American. Probably around 6ft tall, 200 lbs. He had on a hooded sweatshirt, with the hood over his head and hands in his pockets. Until he later took them out and I saw the gloves.”

Officers recommend that walkers and runners do not use the trails alone. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Reston Police at 703-478-0904.