Tulsa Police Continue Search For LaFortune Park Rapist

Tulsa Police are tracking down a man who sexually assaulted a 19-year-old female jogger at LaFortune Park. It happened early Thursday morning.

Monday, February 20th 2012, 4:52 pm

By: News On 6


Tulsa Police are continuing their search for a man who sexually assaulted a 19-year-old female jogger at LaFortune Park. It happened early Thursday morning.

02/16/2012 Related Story: Tulsa Police Look For Man Who Raped Woman At Lafortune Park

Tulsa Police are checking several tips they hope will lead them to the suspect.

On an almost empty LaFortune Park Monday, Memorial High School soccer players can't help but look over their shoulders as they practice.

"It scares me knowing that we don't know the people that are running behind us or in front of us or anything," said Karsten Gilbert, parkgoer.

It was just a few days ago when a 19-year-old woman running on the trail was sexually assaulted by a stranger.

"It is rare to have an actual complete and total stranger case. It's not unheard of course," said Tulsa Police Sergeant Mark Mears.

Sergeant Mears with the Tulsa Police sex crimes unit says he's received tips from several people who saw the stranger that morning but avoided his unwanted advances.

"He just came up and asked to talk to them. They said no and kept going. And that was the end of that," Mears said.

Sergeant Mears says descriptions from the victim and witnesses have helped narrow down a list of suspects.

The students say they're anxious for the attacker to be taken off the streets.

"It would just make me feel a lot safer running," said parkgoer Samantha Fenter.

They're making sure to be as safe and smart as possible.

"When we run, we always run with buddies and it's around 2:30 or 3, so it's light outside and there's people around," she said.

With spring and summer approaching, Tulsa Police say the incident should be a warning to all of us -- because it could happen to anyone.

"Not just because this guy is out there. We're going to catch this guy. But there are always guys out there so always be careful," Sgt. Mears said.

Tulsa Police may have some strong leads, but officers want more witnesses will step forward. If you saw or know anything that can help police -- call Crimestoppers at 918-596-COPS.

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