An attack in broad daylight: Austin police looking for Greenbelt attacker

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - Austin police are hoping to arrest a man who attacked a woman along the Archstone Greenbelt in Southwest Austin Saturday.

“This female was alone in a secluded area of the park, when a male suspect came up from behind her, and attacked her,” Austin police officer Destiny Silva said.

Police say the woman was able to fight off her attacker, and he eventually ran off. Luckily, he did not have a weapon at the time.

“The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries and was treated and released,” said Silva.

Police believe the quick thinking of this person is what possibly saved her life. The suspect is described as a black man, about 5’7" tall, with a medium build. He’s between the ages of 25 and 30. He's has a dark complexion and possibly has a Nigerian accent.

“We did have a similar incident that occurred in the beginning of July in a park and was approximately 19 miles away from this attack," Silva said. "The suspect description is very similar. We can't confirm an affirmative link at this time between the two assaults, however we are not ruling out any options."

Parks unit officers will be maintaining a heavier presence in and around this greenbelt in the wake of the attack. In the meantime, police want the public to remain vigilant and be aware of surroundings.

“These types of attacks can happen at any time. This attack was at one in the afternoon,” said Silva. 

If you have any information about this case, call the Austin Police Aggravated Assault Unit at 512-974-5245.