A peaceful evening walk along the Rappahannock River turned into a nightmare — and now police say they may have the man responsible, not just for one assault, but possibly three.
Sunday night, a woman sitting alone on a rock at Ficklen Island was attacked from behind. A man dressed in all black pressed a rag over her mouth and raped her before she managed to escape. She fought back — biting his finger during the assault.
“As a teacher and a member of this community, I want to feel safe out here. It’s good to know they are trying their best.”
— Melissa Weigeshoff, local resident
With drones and K9 units deployed, officers located a man nearby matching the victim’s description exactly: black shirt, black sandals — and a fresh cut on his finger, right where she said she bit him. He allowed investigators to search his phone.
That search may be the breakthrough police needed. The victim told officers her attacker used Google Translate on his phone during the assault — and that the camera light was on, suggesting he may have recorded it.
This isn’t the first time. Fredericksburg police this week released details linking three attacks on the same canal path. In October, a woman was sexually assaulted and described an attacker matching this suspect’s profile. Then on May 1st, another assault was reported in the same area.
Police have increased patrols along the canal path. Residents are urged to avoid walking alone in the area, especially at night.
The investigation is ongoing. No formal charges have been announced. Fredericksburg Police have not confirmed whether the man in custody is connected to all three incidents — but sources say all three attacks share striking similarities.
