Investigators suspect more victims after teen allegedly assaulted woman walking on park trail

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A 16-year-old boy is in custody, accused of what authorities are calling an attempted sexual assault at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center in north Harris County, and investigators now say he may have attacked before.

The teenager, whose identity is protected under state law, is accused of assaulting a woman on the morning of July 17 while she was walking alone on a park trail.

According to investigators, he came up behind her, attempted to suffocate her, and tore off her clothes. She fought back, prompting the attacker to run away toward a nearby neighborhood.

Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said surveillance video and a statement from the victim helped lead to the teen's arrest.

Back in February, a female jogger said she was attacked by a teenager in the same park. Herman believes the same suspect may be responsible.

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"This isn't the first time he's done this," Constable Herman said during a press conference Monday. "We know there are other female victims out there because of the park attendants. They said we've had other ladies complaining, but they haven't called police. So, we would encourage any time you're at one of our parks or anywhere... If there's something suspicious or you get assaulted, we want to hear from you."

Due to the severity and pattern of behavior, Herman said he wants the teenager charged as an adult. That decision would ultimately rest with a juvenile court judge.

In the meantime, authorities are urging any potential victims or witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues.

For updates on this story, follow Briana Conner on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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