UPDATE
Date: 8/5/20
A forensic sketch of the suspect in yesterday’s Capital City Trail attack was completed today and can be found below. You may download the image or view on a separate page here: Suspect Sketch.
The investigation remains open and active. There is no additional information for release at this time.
If you have information regarding this incident or can identify this subject we would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you. Please call the Fitchburg Police Department at (608)270-4300.
You can provide an anonymous tip in a number of ways:
- Call the Fitchburg Police Tip Line: (608)270-4321
- Text “Fitchburg” + your tip to 847411
- Call Madison Area Crime Stoppers: (608)266-6014 or visit P3tips.com
ORIGINAL RELEASE
Incident Date: 8/5/2020
Date of Release: 8/5/2020
Case #: 20-12876
Completed By: Lt. Edward Hartwick
Details:
An unknown male attacked a 27-year-old woman while she was running on the Capital City Trail in Fitchburg Wednesday evening. Around 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, Fitchburg officers responded to the area of the trail, between Yarmouth Greenway and Caddis Bend, after the woman called to report the attack. The victim told responding officers the suspect fled back into the wooded area surrounding the trail.
Officers set-up a perimeter and, with the assistance of the McFarland Police K9 Unit, searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. Officers from the City of Madison and Town of Madison Police Departments also assisted in the search effort and investigation.
The victim was transported to a local hospital and assessed for minor injuries. She reported the male initially asked her for money and then grabbed her. The victim was able to break free and run from the area to call 911.
Officers remain in the area canvasing businesses and homes for any surveillance video. If you were on the Capital City Trail in Fitchburg (or the surrounding area) Wednesday evening and saw anyone matching the suspect description, please contact the Fitchburg Police Department. We also ask anyone in the area to review any business or home video surveillance footage for anyone matching the description.
Suspect Description: The suspect is described as a Black male with a thin build, approximately 5’7” to 6’. He was possibly wearing a blue t-shirt and black sweatpants.
If you have information regarding this incident we would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you. Please call the Fitchburg Police Department at (608)270-4300.
You can provide an anonymous tip in a number of ways:
- Call the Fitchburg Police Tip Line: (608)270-4321
- Text “Fitchburg” + your tip to 847411
- Call Madison Area Crime Stoppers: (608)266-6014 or visit P3tips.com