Woman uses knife to fight off man during sexual assault on Dequindre Cut

DETROIT - Generally the Dequindre Cut is quiet and safe, but according to Detroit Police, a 44 year old woman was sexually assaulted while jogging. It happened on Wednesday, September 26th at about 10:30 a.m. Police released surveillance video of the suspect.

“It's mind-boggling," said Bruce Covington, who feels safe on the Dequindre Cut.

Detroit Police say the suspect ran up behind the woman, circled around her, and then grabbed her buttocks. The victim pulled a knife and the attacker ran away.

”It's a good thing she had the mindset to try and ward him off. She fought back, and that scares a person who's trying to intimidate you," said Darrell Smith, who believes the Dequindre Cut is safe.

Despite hearing about the sexual assault, people we spoke to on The Dequindre Cut say it’s safe. No cars are allowed on the 3.5 mile trail, and throughout the trail there are emergency stations with live-streaming surveillance cameras, and a phone to make a call if there’s a problem.

The police are calling on you. The suspect is described as a black male, 25-30 years old about 5’10” and 150lbs.

“We haven't seen anything that was negative,” said Covington. “That's why we come down here all the time."

Luckily, no one was injured, but police do want to make an arrest in the case. If you recognize the suspect, call the Detroit Police sex crimes unit at 313-596-1950, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 speak up. You can remain anonymous.