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CMPD steps up patrols at greenway where jogger was attacked

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A south Charlotte community is on edge after a woman said a man attacked her with a knife while she walked her dog along a popular greenway.

The 27-year-old female jogger was walking her dog around 6 p.m. Thursday at McAlpine Creek and Four Mile Creek Greenways, near Johnston Road in south Charlotte, when a man jumped out of the woods and threatened her with a knife, police said.

Police believe that the attacker might have been trying to sexually assault the woman, but her dog came to her defense and bit the man, who ran off.

The victim was not seriously injured.

“It's a shame because it's a nice area,” said Terry Ireland who lives nearby. “It's meant for pleasure. It's meant for everyone to enjoy."

Though police have not made any arrests in the case, they are doing what they can to reassure people who use the greenway. The most obvious difference on Friday was the presence of a police officer or park ranger in the parking lot off Johnston Road.

Channel 9 caught up Friday with some joggers who had not yet heard about the attack, including Mariane Romanet, who was jogging by herself.

“I'm always concerned when I run alone, and I actually don't usually,” she said. “I actually have my family with me. So yes, it definitely does make me think twice.”

CMPD said on Friday at a news conference that they are stepping up patrols in the area. The police department also asked for the public's help in finding the attacker.

Investigators said the man was black, about 6 feet tall, 30-35 years old and was wearing dark clothing.

The department's main concern is the public safety.

The last attack on that greenway was in 2014, and the case is still open, CMPD said.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-160

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