Leah Schrag is a Sim Park regular. "I run on here usually two or three times a week,” Schrag said.
And always during daylight hours. But the time of day might not play a role in a jogger's safety anymore. Officers say Sunday morning, a man jumped-out of the bushes and grabbed two female joggers.
"I do not run on it before dawn because I know there is the possibility of something like that to happen. But during the day, that's not something I would think about,” Schrag said.
Wichita Police Captain Brent Allred says the man went after one jogger around 9:55 a.m. The other five minutes later at 10.
"Grabbed one by the shirt and the second one he grabbed by the wrist,” Captain Allred said.
Capt. Allred said in each case, the woman got away, probably because she was sweaty and he couldn't get a good grip. The man didn't chase after them either.
"The suspect then took off running and left the area as far as we know,” Captain Allred said.
Captain Allred says joggers shouldn't run alone. And, he recommends keeping the music low on your headset.
"I always try to keep my music low enough that I can still be aware of my surroundings. You have to be aware that something like this could happen,” Schrag said.
Schrag says she isn't going to change her routine.
"I'm not going to give up this great path. It's part of what I do here,” Schrag said.
Officers just want her, and others, to report anything suspicious they see out here.
Officers say they don't have any previous reports of this happening at Sim Park.
Suspect Description
The man is described as white, in his late 20's with short brown hair. He has a large earring in his left ear, a heavy build, and is about six-feet tall.
Anyone with information should call 911, Wichita police, or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.
