Assault of Hiker Along the Blue Ridge Parkway Under Investigation

ISB Special Agents and US Park Rangers from the Blue Ridge Parkway are actively investigating a possible assault that occurred in the area of Craggy Gardens on Thursday afternoon, May 12th.

Rangers and other emergency responders conducted a brief search for a hiker that was reportedly missing. She was found and taken to a local hospital for care.

Investigators do not have reason to believe this incident was anything other than an isolated event, and no suspect information is available at this time. All visitor facilities in the area remain open.

A person of interest in this case is a white male about 50 years old with salt-and-pepper hair, and he may have partially-grown facial hair. The man was possibly wearing a light-colored or faded gray short-sleeve T-shirt, baggy blue pants that appear old and faded, and dark tennis shoes. He may appear generally unkempt and smell of a musty odor of going unwashed.

If you have any information about the incident, or if you may have noticed someone behaving suspiciously around Craggy Gardens or along the Mountains to Sea Trail between noon and 4:00 p.m. on May 12th, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch. You don't have to tell them who you are, but at least tell them what you know. You can call their Tip Line at 888-653-0009, or submit an online tip.



Jeff
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