Jogger attacked in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d'ALENE - Women jogging outdoors are being urged to take precautions after a 29-year-old female told police she was attacked while running Sunday.

The alleged battery took pace about 9:30 a.m. in the 6700 block of N. Courcelles Way, Coeur d'Alene police said in a press release.

The victim said she was jogging on a dirt road that she described as the east side of the tree line, at the north side of Skyway Elementary School, and north of the soccer field.

"She said she heard someone behind her and started to turn around," the press release said. "She stated a male suspect pushed her from behind. The victim said she fell to the ground and the male grabbed her around the left shoulder and her head, and turned her toward him. The victim said she was able to get on her feet and hit the suspect with her hands several times."

The victim said the man ran when a car approached.

She described the suspect as a white male, 20 to 30 years old, about 6 feet, 2 inches tall, average build, short dark brown hair, unshaven, wearing a yellow shirt and red running shorts.

The victim sustained slight abrasions to her knee and the palm of her hand.

Police are investigating.

"It is unknown if this was a sexually motivated attack, but due to the aggressiveness of the suspect the police department is advising females to be alert, and take all safety precautions while exercising outdoors," the press release said.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the Coeur d'Alene Police Department at 769-2320.