Police arrest suspect in Lake Fayetteville Trail assault

Photo: Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Police on Wednesday announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with an attack that was reported along Lake Fayetteville Trail nearly two months ago.

The incident occurred on Sept. 13 when a woman who was jogging along the trail was punched in the head and face and then dragged into the woods by a man who was described as approximately 30 years old with an average build and short hair. The woman was able to free herself and call for help, but police were unable to locate the suspect.

According to a news release issued Wednesday (PDF), officers found several objects in the area of the attack that were later sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. Technicians matched the DNA from the samples to the profile of a convicted sex offender.

Using that information and leads developed in the weeks following the attack, investigators arrested Richard Leroy Turner, 33, of Lowell on charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault, and second degree battery. Turner is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.