Woman attacked on hiking trail in Preston

On Monday, a 35-year-old woman walked into the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at around 4:45 p.m. saying she had been assaulted while walking on a hiking trail. 

She claimed the incident occurred at Willow Flat Trail in Preston, Idaho near a campground site. 

According to the woman, who police have left unnamed, she had gone up for a walk and was attacked from behind on her way back down to her vehicle. 

The male attacker then took her to the ground where the two struggled for what she said was one minute. 

After finally managing to escape the attacker, the woman immediately ran to her car, drove to cell service and went straight to the sheriff’s office.

Although the attacker has still not been identified, she described him as a 6-foot male with an average build and light brown/dirty blonde hair. She also said that he had facial hair — but more of a scruff rather than a full beard — and was wearing a black shirt with the sleeves cut off and denim jeans. He also was said to be looking very unkempt and reeked of alcohol. 

Before the attack happened, the woman said the only other person she saw was a fisherman fishing at the river. She also recalled seeing a bright red pickup truck in the parking lot with a pontoon boat and possibly some kayaks/canoes, connected to it. 

This information came from a post by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as they continue to locate the suspect.

If you have any additional information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 208-852-1234 Ext. 2.

-Jacee.Caldwell@usu.edu

@JaceeCaldwell