Jogger attacked on trail fights off suspect as man found guilty after years-long case
FREDERICK, Md. — A man accused of lying in wait before launching a violent attack on a woman jogging along a secluded trail has been found guilty following a lengthy investigation that spanned multiple states, officials said.
John David Hawk, 36, was convicted after a bench trial of attempted third- and fourth-degree sex offenses, second-degree assault and false imprisonment in Frederick County Circuit Court.
The terrifying attack happened in the early evening of March 6 along the Canal Towpath Trail near Point of Rocks, where the victim had gone for a jog just before sunset.
According to prosecutors, the woman was suddenly tackled from behind, forced face-down onto the ground and pinned as the attacker covered her mouth and nose to keep her from screaming.
Authorities said the suspect then attempted to drag her off the trail toward the water — but the victim fought back and managed to break free.
She ran into the woods, hid for nearly 40 minutes and used her Apple Watch to call 911, ultimately leading responders to her location.
Investigators later determined the attacker had been waiting in the area for nearly an hour before striking.
A major break in the case came months later when Hawk was arrested in a separate indecent exposure incident. Officers noticed he matched a composite sketch created with the help of the U.S. Secret Service.
Cell phone data analyzed by the FBI placed Hawk at the scene during the time of the attack, showing he had remained in the area before the assault.
The victim later positively identified him in a photo lineup.
Authorities tracked Hawk to South Carolina, where he was arrested and extradited back to Maryland to face trial.
Following the guilty verdict, the judge ordered Hawk held without bond as he awaits sentencing.
Officials praised the victim’s courage and the coordinated effort between local, state and federal agencies that ultimately led to the conviction.
Key Points
- Man found guilty after attacking jogger on secluded Frederick trail
- Victim fought back, hid in woods and called 911 using Apple Watch
- Investigation used cell phone data and multi-agency efforts to identify suspect