ROLLA, Mo — U.S. Forest Service and Iron County law enforcement officers are investigating an assault that took place on the Ozark Trail (OT) in the Bell Mountain Wilderness Area.
On the afternoon of March 23, a female hiker was assaulted by an unknown male while solo hiking near the intersection with the Bell Mountain Connector Trail. The victim managed to fight off her attacker and flee the area.
“Everyone on Mark Twain National Forest stands alongside women and our hiking community in being appalled by such an act of violence happening on the OT,” stated Lenore Lamb, Acting Forest Supervisor.
The attacker has been described as a white male, late 30s to early 40s, tall and slim; and he was last seen wearing a black stocking hat, sunglasses, dark pants, dark coat, and carrying a daypack.
Anyone with information is requested to contact Special Agent Chuck Lochart at: charles.lochart@usda.gov.