POLICE RELEASE SKETCH OF BETHESDA SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECT IN CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL ATTACK (PHOTOS)

POLICE NOW

CONFIRMING

RUMOR OF

BICYCLE WITH

BASKET ATTACHED

NEAR SCENE

Montgomery County Police have released a sketch of the man they suspect attacked and sexually-assaulted a 21-year-old woman in Bethesda on the Capital Crescent Trail.    The incident took place around 7 PM on Sunday, October 21.

The suspect is described as a 6' tall white male, pale with a thin build.  He has short, brown hair.

Police have now confirmed the initial internet account from an anonymous man on a trail website regarding a white man riding a bicycle with a basket attached, in the area of the attack around the time it occurred.

Here is a sketch of the bicycle:

Please call police immediately if you can identify this man and/or bicyclee, or have any other details that would help.  Call 301-279-8000, or to remain anonymous, call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

There is a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the suspect(s).

BETHESDA AWAITS ANSWERS IN ASSAULT, POSSIBLE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL JOGGER SUNDAY NIGHT

Is there a rapist at large in Bethesda?

That's the No. 1 question around town this morning, after a 21-year-old woman was knocked unconscious and dragged into the woods off the Capital Crescent Trail early last night.

Police responded at 7:13 PM to a call at a trail access point on Brookeway Drive in the Sumner neighborhood of Bethesda.  They say the woman was jogging, and was struck from behind.

She then woke up in the woods.  This official account did not give any suggestion that the victim or any witnesses saw the assailant.

However, as I reported when I was the first media outlet to break this story last night, the original, anonymous tipster who initially reported the attack to the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail told them the assailant was on a bicycle, with a basket attached to the front.

Yet that detail was not mentioned in later accounts.  Nor was any description of the attacker released.

We hope to know more when police release their next statement today.

The attack is sure to spark more questions about trail safety.  Personally, I don't think any woman - or any man! - should be on the CCT after dark.  Especially alone.  That is extremely dangerous.

Stay tuned for further updates.

BIKE TO WORK IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA!

Get Started at a Special Event in 

Veterans Park during Lunch Tuesday 

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Do you work in downtown Bethesda?  And live within biking distance?  With gas prices going up, and many people's desire to protect the environment and improve their health, bicycle commuting is increasing in popularity.

If you've thought about it, attend a special event at lunchtime Tuesday, April 24, in Veterans Park at Woodmont and Norfolk Avenues.

At this Bethesda Transportation Solutions event, you can sign up for Bike to Work Day 2012, and see the grand prize bike you'll be eligible to win by doing so!

Score extra points with your boss by coming back from lunch knowing how your workplace can earn Bike Friendly certification.

Learn about the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) and their programs and advocacy in the region.

Griffin Cycle will give you tips on basic bike maintenence and safety.

Learn how to load your bike onto a bus, for a bus-bike commute, and how to get started as a bike commuter the right way.

All of this and more, FREE from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

As a bonus, you'll be right near some of the best lunch options in Old town Bethesda:  Jetties, The Parva, Bold Bite, BlackFinn, Hanaro and Black's Bar and Kitchen!  Grab your lunch and come to Veteran's Park.

If you have questions about the event or bike commuting, contact Rachel Porter at rporter@bethesda.org or 301-656-0868, ext. 126.

MONTGOMERY MALL

TO

BETHESDA MEDICAL

CENTER

BIKEWAY UPDATE

$21,000 State Grant to Fund

Signage, Paint

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

As I reported a few days ago, Governor Martin O'Malley has announced a grant of $21,000 to fund an official state bikeway connecting Westfield Montgomery Mall with the Bethesda Medical Center Metro station.

I noted that the announcement was vague on specifics, and would update you on the project.

After contacting the appropriate office at the Maryland Department of Transportation, I know a bit more than I did, but much is still speculative.

I had guesstimated the other day that the relatively small amount of money wouldn't cover much more than signs and paint. That was confirmed by Kate Sylvester of MDOT's Office of Planning and Capital Programming, who said the funds would indeed go towards wayfaring signage, and possibly "pavement markings and bike-friendly drainage grates."

Regarding a map of the new bikeway, none currently exists, she said.

"The exact route is not finalized yet. MDOT will be following up with Montgomery County in the next few weeks to learn more about the exact route and the steps the county will take to complete it," Sylvester explained.

You might be wondering what a "wayfaring sign" is.

The Federal Highway Administration sets standards for "official" wayfaring signs.

Wayfaring signs include one or more of the following elements:

A directional arrow, the name of a destination (i.e. Medical Center), the mileage to the listed location, and a bicycle icon to indicate the information is for bicyclists.

The signs approved by the FHWA feature reflective, white text on a green background.

Chicago was the first jurisdiction in the nation to install FHWA-approved wayfaring signs. Northern Virginia has them in some areas.

Hopefully, in a few weeks we'll know the exact route, and a timetable for completion of the bikeway.