ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 13, 1997 TAG: 9704140089
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: HAMPTON
A woman was raped on a popular Hampton exercise trail last week, frightening many exercise enthusiasts and forcing women to find a new workout spot.
Police say the victim was walking on the Matteson fitness trail at dusk Thursday. The 3.1-mile trail, which winds around businesses and a golf course, is popular with joggers and skaters.
The woman was pulled into a wooded area, threatened with a knife, slapped, ordered to strip and raped, police said.
The attack has frightened many women who use the trail.
``I used to come out here by myself; I used to feel safe, but I don't feel that way anymore,'' said Dorothy Everette of Newport News.
``I'm certainly going to change my pattern,'' said Hampton resident Mary Elizabeth Jones, who arrives before dawn to walk.
Investigators are searching for the assailant.
-ASSOCIATED PRESS
LENGTH: Short : 29 linesby CNB