A suspect has been arrested in connection with the rape of a jogger in North Shore, TN, earlier this month, WRCBTV reported.
The 17-year-old suspect matched the description provided by the victim, but it is not yet clear if he will be charged as an adult. He is being charged with aggravated rape, according to the Chattanooga Police Department.
A 69-year-old man was going for his morning run when he was raped, according to numerous sources who spoke to WRCBTV. The suspect, now in police custody, was described as a black male standing about 5'8" or 5'9" and weighing roughly 180 - 200 lbs, according to News Channel 9.
"This happened in our city, this happened in our community to one of our citizens," Asst. Chief Roddy said. "We want all community members to raise their awareness, adhere to some of the safety protocols we've asked them to adhere to."
The attacked has spooked runners in the nearby area, and they were shocked to hear something like that happened just down the street on West Mississippi Ave.
"I have a lot of friends who run in the early morning hours when it's dark outside," Jennifer Hampton of Chattanooga told WRCBTV, "And I'll be more concerned for their safety after this."
Chattanooga Police suggest not running alone, not using head phones to play music and always run with a cell phone in order to stay safe. Some runners said they hardly ever carry a cell phone while they're exercising, and will go out alone if that's the only option.
One woman said that now she knows the attack was a rape, she will be much more likely to run in a group for protection.
This is said to have been the only sexual assault on West Mississippi Ave.
