Howard County’s Centennial Park, a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, but early Monday, it provided a backdrop for an assault on a 24-year-old woman.
“This is the first time in 50 years here that anyone was even assaulted in any way, but again, dark in the morning, I would never go on a trail by myself,” said Mary Gontkovic of Columbia.
Police say it was about 6:30 in the morning when the attack unfolded on one of the trails there.
“She was approached from behind by a male who struck her,” said Seth Hoffman of the Howard County Police Department, “There was a little bit of a struggle. She used pepper spray and she was able to flee away.”
It appears the man never said a word and disappeared by the time officers arrived.
In the aftermath of the assault, the victim was able to provide police with a description of her attacker.
“The description we got from the victim was a male white or Hispanic about five-seven to five-nine wearing a plain black baseball hat and a medical mask,” said Hoffman.
Police are asking people who use the park to be vigilant and to always be aware of their surroundings so they can better protect themselves.
“We’re always together,” said Judith Gordon of Elkridge, “I would not… if she’s not coming. If she can’t walk, I don’t walk. Not around here.”
Anyone with information can call 410-313-STOP or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.
