The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning to female hikers who venture alone on the trails, concerning a nude suspect displaying increasingly aggressive behavior towards potential victims. CBS reports the first incident was reported in April, and the most recent occurred on Monday.
Authorities believe the sexual predator is specifically targeting female hikers in the Conifer and Evergreen area. To date, seven reports have been filed, detailing encounters where the male suspect approached lone female hikers along trails in the Flying J Ranch Park and one incident at Alderfer Three Sisters Park.
The initial reported incident took place on April 3, when the naked suspect approached a female hiker and inappropriately touched her buttocks. He managed to flee before law enforcement arrived.
Subsequently, on June 13, the suspect confronted another female victim while masturbating, indicating a progression in his disturbing behavior. On July 18, he escalated further by contacting three women in a single day, fondling two of them, engaging in sexual conversation, and masturbating.
Most recently, on Monday, the suspect accosted a female hiker while masturbating and attempted to forcefully remove her clothing.
The suspect is described as a white male, aged between 20 and 30, with a fit or athletic build and dark-colored hair. He has been seen carrying a dark-colored backpack on some occasions. After each incident, he has managed to escape into the woods and elude capture.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to come forward with any additional information about these incidents to aid in identifying the suspect. Anyone with relevant details is asked to call 303-271-0211 to report their information.
Additional Information from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office:
Safety tips:
- Hike with a friend or family member.
- Don’t walk off trail.
- Take a phone with you.
- Be aware of those around you.
- Report anything suspicious immediately.