PORT ANGELES — A woman was attacked while jogging with her dog on the Olympic Discovery Trail just east of Port Angeles on Sunday, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.
The 34-year-old Port Angeles woman fought off her alleged assailants, who were described as two clean-shaven white men between the ages of 25 and 30.
“It was a strong-arm fend off,” Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King said in a telephone interview.
The alleged assault occurred between the Ennis Creek parking lot — the former Rayonier mill site — and the Gales Addition section of trail at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
The woman was running east when she was grabbed from behind by one of the two men, deputies said.
“The jogger was able to defend herself and incapacitate the male assailant,” King said in a news release.
“A second white male then tackled the jogger, forcing her to the ground. The jogger was able to fight free and fled down to the beach to the safety of others.”
The two men fled on foot to the west.
The first man was described as being about 6-feet tall. The second was about 5-foot-8-inches tall.
Both men were wearing loose-fitting clothing.
Anyone with information is asked to phone the Sheriff’s Office at 417-2459.
“The Clallam County Sheriff’s Department would like to take this opportunity to remind outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and others who enjoy the Olympic Discovery Trail to always be aware of your surroundings and utilize the ‘Buddy System,’ ” King said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.
