Park, trail incidents reported on same day

FAYETTEVILLE — Police want to encourage residents to be cognizant of their surroundings at trails and parks in the wake of two incidents reported Friday.

James Dacy, 24, a homeless man living in Fayetteville, was arrested in connection with attempted rape, kidnapping and battery. Police were called just before 3:30 p.m. Friday to the 4000 block of North Steele Boulevard. A woman told officers a man had just tackled her and tried to pull off her clothing while she walked along Scull

Creek Trail, according to a preliminary arrest report.

The woman said she hit the man in the face and fled, the report states. Officers found Dacy about a mile away covered in dirt and blood. He was arrested after the woman identified him as her attacker, according to the report.

Officers also were called Friday after a girl called to report being approached by a stranger at Gulley Park. The girl told police the man, described as middle-aged, asked and then insisted she get into his car so she could cool down, according to Sgt. Anthony Murphy with the Fayetteville Police Department.

At one point the man grabbed the girl by the arm, Murphy said. The girl got away and called police, he said.

Murphy said such situations are uncommon but can happen. Remembering the direction where a suspect travels and a description helps in an investigation, he said.

“Go running with a friend if possible,” Murphy said. “Don’t wear earbuds and take your phone in case of emergency.”

The suspect in the Gulley Park incident is described as a white man with a tan complexion, about 6 feet tall with a medium build. Anyone with information can call police at (479) 587-3555.

Police say the two incidents appear to be unrelated.

Dacy