Teen stabbed on trail at DuPage County forest preserve

A 16-year-old girl was stabbed Tuesday evening on one of the trails at Timber Ridge Forest Preserve, according to the DuPage Forest Preserve police.

The stabbing occurred at about 5 p.m. at the preserve, located on County Farm Road just north of Geneva Road, said Tony Martinez, a spokesman for the forest preserve police.

Police said the girl was walking on the trails alone when a man approached her.

"From what we know it was unprovoked. They did exchange some words and then he assaulted her," said Martinez.

Investigators said the victim told officers the man pulled out a knife or a box cutter as she struggled to get away.

"It was an altercation. The victim sustained some superficial cuts to her and also some self-defense wounds," said Martinez.

Police said the girl was able to break free and by the time DuPage County deputies arrived the man had run off.

"Whether it was a passerby, another trail user, a cyclist or a pedestrian that has information, we're looking for them to come forward," said Chief Pederson, DuPage County Forest Preserve Police.

Police said the victim described her alleged attacker as a white man around 40 years old, with medium length hair, who they said was wearing a blue hat and blue jeans and with facial hair that was grown to a 5 o'clock shadow.

The victim was transported to Central DuPage Hospital. She was not seriously injured, Martinez said.

Police continued to search the forest preserve Tuesday evening. They are asking anyone with information to come forward.