TULSA, Okla. — A woman reported being raped at Turkey Mountain on Aug. 18 around 10 p.m., according to the Tulsa Police Department.
The woman told police she was walking the trails when a large man attacked her, pulled off her clothes and raped her. She was able to get away from the suspect after a fight and ran toward the main parking lot.
WATCH: Woman reports rape at Turkey Mountain
The suspect got away before officers arrived. The environment that they were searching in though, Capt. Richard Meulenberg said, makes their search all that more complex.
“Keep in mind that Turkey Mountain is very very dark and there are so many places to dart in and out, so we are actively looking for the suspect," said Meulenberg. "We were able to collect evidence from the scene. We have some medical evidence we also collected, so we’re hoping to get a profile as quickly as possible."
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The woman went to the hospital for a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exam. Meulenberg is hopeful that evidence will help the Special Victim's Unit develop suspect information quickly.
“Someone who’s been the victim of a sexual assault, it’s tough," he said. "We’re gonna be as delicate as possible. We’re going to definitely work with them in a way that’s understanding of what they’ve gone through, but we need the evidence. We need them to kind of remember some things that happened."
This is the second attack to happen at Turkey Mountain, the third to happen on the River Parks Authority trails in the last month.
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Authorities understand people will have more caution when coming to places like this, so additional officers are patrolling the area. In fact, Meulenberg said they've had officers in the area more frequently since the first attack in July.
“I know it’s hard to tell people, but the data supports that these are anomalous," said Meulenberg. "To have people who are attacked randomly does not happen that frequently.
John Klein has visited Turkey Mountain for more than a decade.
“It’s a wonderful park, there’s lots to do. It’s a shame that people have to be aware of this."
Although he prefers to come during the day, Klein said other walkers or hikers have every right to enjoy the trails at night and feel safe.
“You’ve always got to be aware of your surroundings," said Klein. "That’s the second attack in what a month, month and a half here? I would recommend everybody carry some sort of self-defense with them."
The victim told police the suspect was around 6' to 6'3" with a heavyset build.
Anyone with information should call Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.
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