Girl, 15, sexually assaulted on trail; sketch released

CUMRU TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Police have released a suspect sketch as they hunt the man who sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in broad daylight.

It happened along Thun Trail, part of the Schuylkill River Trail system, in Cumru Township, Berks County, around 10 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The victim said a man walked up behind her, pulled her to the side of the trail and then physically and sexually assaulted her.

She says her attacker then ran back down the trail travelling eastbound.

We spoke with several people who live near the spot where the incident happened who say they can only hope this case is solved quickly.

"I'm a runner, I run too. I would never run by myself. It's a shame, it's a nice place to walk and bike and run," said Stacy Gallagher.

"I have an 11-year-old daughter right now, and if she was out there and someone did something like that, I don't know what my reaction would be. I don't know if I would be as calm right now," said Michael Suratt.

The suspect is described as a black male, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, in his late 20s or early 30s. He has a tattoo consisting of letters across his stomach.

The suspect was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt and sweatpants, a black hat and black shoes.