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Second woman who encountered park attacker is located

Posted at 7:56 PM, Nov 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-09 13:36:39-05

The search continues for a suspect who the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office says attacked two women jogging near Ollie's pond in Port Charlotte.

The first attack happened on Thursday near Ollies Pond Park in Port Charlotte around 6:45 in the morning. The suspect grabbed a jogger from behind and attempted to drag her into a wooded area.

While investigating the attack, detectives learned of a possible second victim and were asking that person to come forward.

CCSO says they were able to make contact with the second victim, who is a woman, on Friday.

From the initial conversation they had with the woman, detectives believe she encountered the same suspect involved in Thursday's attack.

Detectives say the woman's encounter with the suspect happened two weeks ago, also near Ollies Pond Park during dusk.

Park visitors say the news of these attacks is not stopping them from visiting the park; they are just more cautious now.

"I wasn't going to stop and walk if there was only one vehicle or none because it's pretty quiet right now, " said Marley Warner.

To help prevent another attack or something worse from happening, Philip Fisher, with the Neighborhood Watch, says Ollies Pond Park is now part of his search routine.

"This guy is a danger. I'm going to be looking for him wherever I go," said Fisher.

On Saturday detectives will continue to speak with the second victim to get more details on what happened during the encounter.

The suspect is described as wearing a ski mask, gray hoodie, and gray pants during Thursday's attack.

Detectives are asking anyone who knows anything about these attacks, or who may have security footage of the attacker, to please contact Detective Cox in Major Crimes at 941-575-5361.