Another assault reported along Tobacco Trail

DURHAM

Officers were called to the trail around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday after a man said he was attacked.

The victim told authorities he noticed four or five boys between the ages of 12 and 16 years old loitering on the trail between Otis and Fayetteville Streets and ran past them.

He said he continued to run down the trail, but when he turned around the teens assaulted him. Officials said the jogger was able to run home and call police.

Tuesday's latest attack is the sixth reported attack along the popular path since May and the eleventh this year. There have been 24 incidents reported since the beginning of 2011.

Earlier this month, authorities said a group of teens along the American Tobacco Trail hit a jogger on the back of the head.

Hours later, police caught up with a 13 year old believed to be responsible and took him into custody.

Durham police had said they've increased patrols on the trail since May after reports of other assaults, including a man who attacked a female runner in July.

The recent reports of crime on the American Tobacco Trail have also raised concerns about other bike paths in the city.

Just last week, Durham police responded to several car break-ins near the Warren Creek Trail. The trail is not connected to the American Tobacco Trail, but bikers and pedestrians frequent the paved walkway.

The Durham Police Department is urging residents to be aware of their surroundings, do not carry extra cash or valuables, walk in pairs in well-lit areas that are not isolated and call 911 to report any suspicious activity.

Anyone with information about Tuesday's incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.

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