In an email to Anna Bradford (and others) dated Wed., 26 January, Rebecca* issued this important alert:
This is especially for women running in North Reston. I have had 2 different days where there has been a car "following" me. It's a young, hispanic man in a dark aquamarine 4-door toyota corolla (later model). The tags were something like (but not exactly): 3853-BBG Virginia. He asked me for directions to Tyson's Corner today (I answered from across the street, but then he was following me down North Village).
I filed a report today (on Saturday I thought it was a fluke or that I was being paranoid) with Officer Burgiss from the Fairfax County Police. He said to run with a cell phone (I was...but I didn't call them 1st, I called Bill to tell him the tag number) and asked if I ran with pepper spray (I don't). I also always have my ID on my body (usually tucked in my running bra...I had to pull it out for Officer Burgiss - slightly embarassing!). Another north reston runner has also seen the same or similar car "following" her as well.
What to do if you see this car - call FCP immediately (703 691 2131 is the non-emergency number, if you feel threatened call 911) and tell them where you are and the direction the car was last heading.
Run safe!
rebecca
- - - - -
* Rebecca's last name withheld. If you want to contact Rebecca, you may do it through our Club President .
David Cook of the Fairfax County Police Dept. provides this update on Rebecca's report...
...The man Rebecca spoke of has been identified and the police have personally talked with him- advising him that his conduct has caused concern in the community and that he has been encouraged to refrain. [The public should]...know that we know who he is and that we have taken steps to handle the problem, even though he hasn't actually violated any laws. ...We have let him know that we will take any future reports about him (or anyone else) very seriously. And, as always, if anyone notices any suspicious conduct, we would encourage them to call the Fairfax County Police. Reston is such a great town to run in- we want to be sure that it is as safe as possible.
Thanks
Dave
An edited excerpt from a letter sent home by the Principal at Hunters Woods Elementary School:
On 10/1, a man in the area of HW shopping center attempted to abduct an 18-year-old woman....This was the 2nd such attempt in 10 days. The first occurred 9/17 [and] involved a 13-year-old girl. Both attacks occurred during the day as the victim was walking in the vicinity of the Center. The suspect in both attacks was described as black, in his 40's, five feet eight to five feet eleven inches tall...weighing 165 lbs [and having] brown hair, styled in dreadlocks, hazel eyes, and distinctively bad teeth. His appearance was unkempt.
A police sketch of this individual is reportedly posted on the entrance door to a local convenience store