Sexual assault case investigated

By: Greg Bird

Officers are investigating an alleged sexual assault that left a woman wandering alone in the woods for nearly two days before being  spotted and rescued.

McCreary County Sheriff’s Deputy Jerry Meadows stated a suspect has been identified in the case, and a warrant is being sought for his arrest.

The unidentified woman was reportedly spotted along the railroad tracks Sunday afternoon by passengers on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, who rescued the victim and brought her back to the depot in Stearns where she was met by the Deputy and McCreary County EMS.

Deputy Meadows stated the victim claims to have been assaulted by a man sometime Friday night in a wooded area somewhere near Mine 18. The woman stated the suspect fled the scene after the attack, leaving her alone in the woods with no idea where she was.

For nearly two days she apparently wandered through the woods, until finally emerging near the railroad tracks used by the Big South Fork Scenic Railway around 3 p.m. Sunday, suffering from some abrasions and possible dehydration.

The woman was taken to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital for treatment of her injuries and examination.

The investigation is continuing.