Woman attacked on northwest Indiana bike path near Gary, Hobart border

May 8, 2014 (HOBART, Ind.) (WLS) -- A woman was attacked and robbed on a bike path in northwest Indiana. She says the man also tried to sexually assault her.

The attack happened around noon on Tuesday when a female biker was riding near the underpass of Interstate 65 at the border of Gary and Hobart, Indiana. Many locals were a bit shaken to learn of an attempted sexual assault on the trail.

"It does concern me, but I then just think that I have to be more cautious and aware," said Eve Jensen, cyclist.

"We come here to get away from the violence, a nice peaceful trail for peace and tranquility," said Marlon Russell, cyclist.

Police say the attack happened about 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. The 27-year-old victim was riding by herself near the underpass of I-65 on the border of Gary and Hobart. She told police a man in his late teens or early 20s pushed her off her bike, fondled and attempted to rape her. She was able to break free and escape to a home nearby and call police.

"She fell off the bike and he tried to get her clothes off and he tried to sexually assault her. He wasn't successful, thank God," said Gabrielle King, Gary Police spokesperson.

Police say the path runs through several towns and they generally provide no patrols here, but they have also had few problems here in the past. They recommend cyclists, especially women, not ride alone and take precautions.

"Ride in the daytime, make sure you have a fully-charged cell phone with you and also a repair kit for your bike because things happen," said King.

The woman told police the man stole her cell phone. She was unable to give police much of a description of the suspect. She was treated for minor injuries.