Evening Run Turns Violent on Akron's Towpath

Akron Weekly Digest: Your Insider's Guide to Urban Adventures

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This Week's Highlights:

Upcoming Events:

7/17: Do you have a child aged 3 or under that you suspect might one day be running at Usain Bolt level speeds. If you have a little olympian make sure to take them down to the Akron library Wednesday from 10:30-11:30am to try and take home the gold in the “Baby Olympics”.

7/18: Ready for the ultimate double hitter? Thursday night there is going to be a concert and……. it's completely free! Quite mind boggling right? Make sure to take advantage of the generosity of the Akron Art Museum and enjoy “JT’s ElECTRIK Blackout” band as they perform jazz and rock. This event will start at 6:30pm.

7/19: Do you have exceptional attention to detail, a great deal of patience, or an incredible memory. If you said yes to any of those then the Akron Northside station might be the place for you to be Friday from 6:30-8:20. They will be hosting a “murder mystery excursion” where the theme will be “A Christmas Carol”. Make sure to bring your best detective skills!

7/15-7/20 Weather

Mon 15, Thunderstorms, 88°/74°

Tue 16, Scattered Thunderstorms, 86°/71°

Wed 17, AM Showers, 78°/63°

Thu 18, Partly Cloudy, 75°/57°

Fri 19, Mostly Sunny, 80°/59°

Sat 20, Partly Cloudy, 83°/61°

Landmark Showcase: George Metro Park

The landmark of the week is Gorge Metro Park. Gorge Metro Park in Akron, Ohio is known to be intertwined with the industrial development of the area. The park's is known for the famous Gorge Dam which was built in 1911 by the Northern Ohio Traction and Light Company to generate hydroelectric power. This dam harnessed the energy of the Cuyahoga River, which flows through the park, to supply electricity to the surrounding region.

Prior to the parks industrial use, the land was inhabited by Native American tribes, who valued the area's natural resources and the river's significance. In the early 20th century, as industrial activity ramped up, the area began to be appreciated for its natural beauty and recreational potential. The park was established in 1930 as part of the broader Summit Metro Parks system.

Recently, there has been significant interest in the removal of the Gorge Dam to restore the natural flow of the Cuyahoga River and improve the ecological health of the region. This project is aiming to revitalize the river and enhance the park's natural environment

Story of the week: Evening Run Turns Violent on Akron's Towpath

A young woman was assaulted while jogging on a popular towpath, and Akron police are still searching for the suspect.

The incident occurred on June 28 around 9 PM, when a 25-year-old medical student was jogging along the Towpath Trail near West Bartges Street. According to police, she passed a man sitting on the ground without incident the first time, but on her return, the man grabbed her by the throat and strangled her until she lost consciousness behind a vacant building.

A bystander scared off the attacker, who remains at large. A passerby found the woman unconscious and called 911. “She was jogging on the towpath, and she got assaulted,” the caller told the dispatcher.

The 101-mile Towpath Trail is frequented by millions each year and is generally considered safe. “I’ve been on this path a lot with my girlfriend, so it was very jarring to hear,” said trail-goer Noah Childers. Regular user Kimberly Fields expressed surprise: “Usually, it’s safe down here, so I’m really surprised because you see how it is. It’s nice and quiet, everybody gets along.”

Peter Hunt, another frequent user, suggested increased security measures: “They need to patrol this a lot more and they need more cameras because people are doing things on this trail that shouldn’t be.”

After the young woman regained consciousness, another passerby noticed her and approached, causing the attacker to flee. “That’s one of the perks of this being such a well-treaded area,” said James Nestor, a trail-goer. “You have one guy that harmed her, and then you had another guy, thankfully a civilian, willing to intervene.”

The woman managed to run to nearby volleyball courts, where a man called the police. “We got a female that was assaulted on the towpath, and she has minor injuries. Don’t know if we need a squad to check her out, but we do need law enforcement to look for the assailant,” the 911 caller reported.

Paramedics transported the woman to the hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries. “I’m glad that bystander was there because lord knows what he would’ve done,” Hunt added. Fields mentioned she now plans to switch her bike rides to daytime and carry pepper spray for safety.

The attacker is described as a white male, 17 to 19 years old, 5’5” to 5’6”, with brown hair and clean-shaven, wearing dark clothes and a leather bracelet. Police have increased patrols in the area but have not yet identified any suspects.

Local Flavor: Nepali Kitchen

Nepali Kitchen in Akron, Ohio, is a popular restaurant known for its authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine. Located on East Exchange Street, it offers a diverse menu featuring traditional dishes such as momo (dumplings), biryani, and various curries. The restaurant is praised for its flavorful food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere. It caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians, ensuring a wide range of options for all diners. Nepali Kitchen has become a local favorite for those seeking a unique and delicious dining experience in Akron.

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