Fredericksburg City Police are looking for a man who they say assaulted a woman on the Canal Path on Friday night.
According to a news release, the victim left the Fredericksburg Shopping Center and was walking along U.S. Route 1 when she accessed the Canal Path from the southbound side. After walking under the bridge, a man allegedly ran up behind her, grabbed her, assaulted her, and exposed himself. The victim was able to escape and run away.
Police described the suspect as a Hispanic male, approximately 6 foot tall, with dark hair reaching his eyes, wearing a black hoodie and blue pants. Officers arrived a short time after the call was received, but the suspect had already fled the area on foot. A K-9 search of the area didn’t yield results.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are evaluating possible links between this assault and an Oct. 19, 2025 incident. There is no connection to a string of March assaults on the Canal Path, police said, as the suspect in those cases is currently in custody.
FPD plans to increase patrols on the trails and urges community members to remain vigilant when walking or exercising outdoors, particularly after dark. They also ask that residents promptly report any suspicious activity.
For safety, walk with a friend at night or in poorly lit areas, keep one ear free if listening to music, and always carry a charged phone. If you or someone you know needs resources or support following a sexual assault, please contact the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault (RCASA) at rcasa.org or call their 24/7 hotline at 540-371-1666.
To submit an anonymous tip, text “FPDtip” followed by your message to 847-411, or download the free FPD Tip app for Android or iPhone by searching “FPD Tip” in your app store.
