'Patient,' Thorough Investigation Into Cynwyd Trail Incident Underway
BALA CYNWYD, PA — Police in Lower Merion provided a brief update on their investigation into the incident on the Cynwyd Heritage Trail that occurred earlier this month.
Police on Wednesday, Nov. 15 alerted the public to an incident in which a runner on the trail found a woman injured and suffering from cold exposure.
The woman, 42, of Manayunk, was found unconscious and partially undressed at about 5:46 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 with injuries to her head and body on the trail near the Manayunk Bridge Trail, police said.
Find out what's happening in Narberth-Bala Cynwydwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Lower Merion Police Sgt. Michael Kenan told Patch Wednesday that details on the incident are sensitive as the investigation progresses.
However, he did say the victim was not on the trail for recreational purposes and are looking to learn what led to her being on the trail.
Find out what's happening in Narberth-Bala Cynwydwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Police have been reviewing camera footage from the trail and the bridge to learn more about what happened Tuesday. Despite that, they are unable to provide any information on people potentially involved in the incident.
Click Here:
While the Lower Merion Police crime alerts webpage lists the incident as “forcible rape,” which is a legal definition of the crime in the Pennsylvania criminal code, authorities are still working to determine what actually led to the woman’s circumstances.
Kenan said investigators are being patient in their work and are working a number of angles to get to the bottom of the incident.
As for trail users, Kenan said they should stick to well-lit areas, use the trail with other people when possible, carry a cell phone, inform others of when they leave and when they plan to return, and dress for the weather.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.