Captain Jim Walker said a woman was attacked while walking her dog and ran to a nearby house, asking for help.
"She had some visible injuries. She was transported to the hospital," Captain Walker said.
The trail is located near Carrboro Elementary School and right in the middle of a neighborhood. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro School System has been notified of the incident.
"I think something like this happening so close to home is just really shocking," Jenny Goldstein said.
Goldstein, who said she's lived in the neighborhood for several years, is taking extra precautions.
"I've got my headphones in and feel safe, but I think I'm going to think twice about using my headphones," Goldstein said.
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According to Captain Walker, there have not been reports like this in the last several years.
"The biggest thing is to be aware," Captain Walker said. "Make sure you're paying attention to what's going around you."
The case is being investigated, and police ask the public to share any information on this incident.