PORTLAND, Ore. — The man accused of jumping out of the bushes and attacking a jogger along the Springwater Trail in Southeast Portland is in jail, indicted on multiple charges, according to the Portland Police Bureau.
Portland police are now circulating 33-year-old Anthony Hill’s photo to determine if there are other victims related to Hill and this type of crime.
The attack happened during a woman’s morning jog on September 4. Police say she was jogging along the Springwater Corridor near Southeast Johnson Creek Boulevard and Southeast Brookside Drive.
Detectives say Hill passed the woman on his bike and then veered into some bushes up ahead of her. They say he jumped out, while fondling himself and tried to grab the victim.
She was able to get away and connect with her husband who was in the area, but police said she was clearly shaken.
“This woman indicated she felt she was going to be raped,” said Mike Benner, Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, “That’s why she got out of there as fast as she could.”
Authorities released Hill’s photo in an effort to swat other victims to come forward and file charges.
Although the Springwater Trail is the site of past shootings and homeless encampments, it’s still popular with runners and bicyclists.
People out enjoying the path Tuesday were surprised to hear the jogger was attacked in the late morning hours.
“It does seem like a safe time,” said Bonnie Waters, a bicyclist who says she avoids riding alone. “I think a lot of people do jog alone.”
Another female bicyclist, Rachel Starbuck, said she hasn’t biked the trail alone either.
“Honestly, even in the daytime, I don’t think I would,” Starbuck said.
“I feel like it’s an iffy thing. I probably wouldn’t jog. I might bike.”
Benner with Portland police, said people need to avoid wearing earphones and stay aware of your surroundings.
“I think it comes down to situational awareness,” Benner said. “Have your head on a swivel and always look around — if you’re a man or a woman.”
“I do run with my head on a swivel,” said Russell Chebahtah, as he took a break from his run along the corridor. “Especially down by the bridges where there tend to be people camping.”
As for Hill, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted him last week on one count of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree and public indecency.
Police say Hill was already in jail in Clackamas County and is now behind bars in Multnomah County.
Court records show Hill faced indecency charges in 2020 and 2021 and pleaded guilty in those cases.