A young woman exercising on a New Hampshire trail fought off an attacker police say is still on the loose.
It happened around 5:30 p.m. Sunday on a popular trail right across the street from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
"I was shocked," said Lebanon resident John Andrew, who walks his dog on the path every day.
Police say a 23-year-old woman was out for a walk Sunday evening when a man attacked her from behind.
"I hope she cleaned his clock," Andrews said.
Police Chief Richard Mello says the woman put up a strong fight, forcing her attacker to take off running.
"I'm glad she got away and she's safe and I am proud that she stood up for herself," said Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center employee Sarah Stark.
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The woman suffered only minor injuries and was able to contact hospital security right away. Police are still searching for the suspect who they say picked his victim at random.
"Certainly, when something like this happens, the randomness of it is concerning," Chief Mello admits.
By Monday morning, DHMC notified their employees many of whom run or walk this trail on their lunch break.
The hospital-wide email advised walkers to be alert, carry a whistle, and to avoid walking alone.
"It's a reminder of what can happen but luckily it doesn’t happen often," said DHMC employee Elaine Vanderstok.
Police are looking at hospital security footage and asking anyone who was on the trail Sunday evening to give them a call.
