Hood River County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday morning took report of an assault of a Hood River Valley High School student on Indian Creek Trail near the school. After an extensive ground and aerial search, deputies didn't find a suspect.
On March 30, at about 10 a.m., a female juvenile student at HRVHS reported that she had been assaulted on the trail. She told school personnel about the incident, and staff immediately responded by partnering with the Sheriff's Office, according to an email to parents by HRVHS Principal Rich Polkinghorn.
The victim described her attacker as a white male in his late 30s with light brown hair and a medium to slender build. He reportedly had stubble facial hair and was wearing a blue athletic shirt with tan cargo shorts. The victim was alone and did not know her attacker.
Following the report, the Sheriff's Office conducted an extensive ground search and search by air. They identified no suspect.
"Hood River Valley High School is like a family. Anytime a student is involved in a serious incident we come together, try to understand what has occurred, and make a plan to move forward in a way that protects our kids from potential dangers," Polkinghorn said.
To parents, he said, "We ask that you take the time this evening to talk with your children about the importance of their personal safety off campus, how to respond in unsafe situations, and what to do if something or someone breeches their personal safety or the safety of others."
Detectives with HRCSO are investigating the reported assault. Any person with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 541-387-7077.
Community responds with ‘Strength’ run scheduled Friday
A Hood River city council member has announced an informal run will be held on Indian Creek Trail at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 1.
Participants will meet at the trailhead on Arrowhead Loop (via Indian Creek Road, just north of Brookside Drive). Anyone is welcome, including children and “well-behaved dogs.” Vehicles are encouraged to park at the HRVHS north parking lot.
The event, “Run for Community Strength,” will offer support to the victim and allow the community to “face our fears,” according to an email by Becky Brun of Hood River.
“When things like this happen in our community, it's sometimes hard to know what to do. For those of us who love running and walking this beloved local trail, there seems like no better way to support the victim and face our fears than to get back on the trail,” Brun wrote.
“If you come, you are joining at your own risk of injury … I feel like I have to say that,” Brun wrote.
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