The Fredericksburg Police Department will be increasing patrols in the wake of three recent sexual assault incidents that occurred along the Canal Path and Heritage Trail.
According to police, the first sexual battery occurred along the Canal Path on March 19. The suspect in this assault approached a woman, grabbed her buttocks and then fled on foot. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’10”, between 25 and 35 years old, with a medium build.
The second sexual battery occurred along the Heritage Trail on March 23. The suspect in this assault approached a woman, grabbed her buttocks and then fled on foot. The suspect in this case is described as a male, approximately 5’-11”- 6’-1”, with a medium build.
The third sexual battery occurred along the Heritage Trail on March 25, about 12:40 p.m. The suspect in this assault approached a woman, grabbed her buttocks and then fled on foot. The suspect in this case is described as a male, possibly Hispanic, approximately 5;-7”, with short black hair.
Anyone who may have witnessed these assaults or may have surveillance footage from the area or surrounding areas is urged to contact the Fredericksburg police immediately. Detectives are working to investigate this incident and will continue to use all resources possible to bring justice to this situation, authorities said.
Police are also investigating a sexual assault that occurred Oct. 19, 2025, about 9 p.m. on the Canal Path between Washington Avenue and Emancipation Highway near Cossey Pond. The suspect is this case is described as a male, approximately 5’-4’’ – 5’-5’’, medium build, possibly Middle Eastern, Hispanic or Indian.
The Fredericksburg police take these incidents seriously and will be increasing patrols along the Canal Path while remaining committed to ensuring the safety of all in the city.
Police remind community members to stay vigilant while walking or exercising outdoors, especially after dark, and to promptly report any suspicious activity. When walking at night and in areas that are not well lit, it is always good practice to walk with a friend, keep one ear free if listening to music and always carry a charged phone.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault and needs resources or support, please contact the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault at rcasa.org or call their 24/7 hotline at (540) 371-1666.
To make an anonymous tip, send a text to “847-411” and text “FPDtip” followed by your tip. Or, download the free FPD Tip app available for Android and iPhones. To download the app, search “FPD Tip” in the Google or iTunes App Store.
