INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers are increasing patrols after an attempted rape on the Monon Trail.

Investigators say it happened early Thursday morning near Sutherland Avenue.

IMPD is asking for the public’s help in finding the suspect. According to investigators, the victim was running alone around 5:30 a.m. when she said a man in dark clothing attacked her. She got away, and another man helped her afterward.

Now, runners who use the Monon Trail daily are on high alert.

Investigators say the suspect in this incident is a male who is about 5’10 and weighs 170 pounds.

According to an IMPD Incident Report, there have been six reported incidents along the Monon Trail over the past 10 years.

Along with the attempted rape, there have been cases involving battery, people being grabbed, indecent exposure, and getting chased by people exposing themselves.

Megan Burger, an avid runner with Indy Runners and Walkers Club, is familiar with the Sutherland Avenue area on the trail, and she said it’s disheartening to hear about the attempted rape.

“It makes me reconsider my running path, how I’m going to go out for runs, who I will go out to runs with,” Burger said. “It definitely adds a lot of element into my running plans.”

Burger said she’s heard of many troubling incidents involving runners on the Monon over the years, some even happening in broad daylight.

“A lot issues about women being assaulted while running. I’ve also heard incidents about indecent exposure. Mostly directed towards women, but not to say that it’s only directed at women,” she said

As Burger sees it, it’s safest to avoid going on the Monon south of 38th Street where there’s less foot traffic in the early morning and late evenings.

“It would be great if Indy Parks would put emergency phone stands along the trail because there are no emergency phone stands along the trail, and so, that would be just another added layer of protection,” Burger said. “I know that they’re not going to be everywhere, but if you’re able to get there to make a call, that would help. Also, the Monon isn’t lit up at all.”

The Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains the Monon Trail. DPW officials said at this time, there aren’t any plans for traffic safety improvements at the intersection of Sutherland Avenue.

“A big thing that we promote within our running community is letting somebody know that you are going out for a run, and where you plan to be,” Burger said. “There are lots of different apps you can use to track your location to just add that extra element.”

News 8 spoke to a man on Sutherland Avenue who did not want to be on camera. He said he sees runners all the time. He suggests they switch up their routines and the times that they run.

Burger said some runners keep items like mace to keep themselves safe.

“Run a different route, even if it’s just the first mile, or running the route backwards from what you normally do,” Burger said. “You never know who’s out there watching.”

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact IMPD or Crime Stoppers.

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