Woman Sexually Assaulted Along Popular Running Trail

A woman reported being sexually assaulted along a popular Center City Philadelphia recreational trail this morning.

Philadelphia Police said the assault occurred along the Schuylkill River Trail where it crosses under JFK Boulevard. Investigators said a 33-year-old woman called police around 6 a.m. Wednesday to report the assault.

Police didn't reveal the woman's condition following the assault.

This section of trail commonly referred to as "The Path" -- popular with runners, bicyclists and walkers -- runs from the Schuylkill River Park along 25th Street to Boat House Row before the river trail continues into Manayunk and Montgomery County.

The path is normally closed to traffic but police officers could be seen on the trail investigating a car with a flat tire and visible side damage stopped under the overpass. Police sources with knowledge of the situation later said the car belonged to the victim.

Police blocked off part of the trail as they investigated. Caution tape blocked off the area as the investigation continued throughout the morning.

Just before 11 a.m. a tow truck was brought in to remove the damaged sedan.

The incident shocked woman who use the trail regularly. One woman told NBC10's Monique Braxton that she would no longer run with headphones.

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