MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police are investigating after they said a teenage girl was attacked at Overton Park in midtown.
According to the police report, MPD officers were called to the park about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, about an attack. The girl told officers she was walking through the park when a man came up behind her and pushed her into the bushes. The report said she screamed and other people in the park began yelling at the man, who ran away.
The girl told officers the attacker ran towards the intersection of E. Parkway and Summer Ave., possibly to the Exxon at the corner.
MPD said the girl, whose age was not released, was not injured.
ABC24 spoke with people at Overton Park Thursday about the attack.
“You can’t live your life in fear but I’m definitely keeping a high alert knowing someone going around right now that’s not caught,” hiker Shalisha Prichard said.
“I think there is a lack of light in the park but at the same time you don’t want to much light in a natural area,” hiker Ayden Grauer said. “I’d like to say it’s more shocking than it is, but stuff happens."
Some hikers said they aren’t surprised this happened and that incidents like these are why it’s important to remember life saving tips and tools, especially when exercising by yourself.
“I like to make sure my phone is charged when I leave so I have contact and people know where I’m at,” Grauer said.
“Just also being mindful and aware of your surroundings when you’re walking,” Prichard said.
The suspect was described in the report as 5’9” to 6’ tall and skinny with dreadlocks. He was wearing a long sleeve blue shirt and blue and gray joggers. Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
The Overton Park Conservancy released the following statement: "We are so grateful that the woman who was attacked was able to get to safety, and we hope she is recovering from this trauma. This extremely upsetting incident is outside the norm for Overton Park, which generally has fewer incidents of crime than the areas that surround the park. Overton Park Conservancy works closely with the Memphis Police Department to share information and track trends. Memphis Police Department is responsible for public safety in Overton Park, as is the case with all public parks in Memphis. We are grateful that police responded quickly and are currently searching for the attacker. We know that the active Overton Park community will remain vigilant, look out for each other, and report any suspicious activity to MPD and Overton Park Conservancy."