Police release updated suspect decription after woman assaulted on MKT Trail

UPDATE 8/16: Columbia Police have released an updated suspect description in connection to an assault investigation that happened on the MKT trail.

Police say they’re looking fora white male between 30-40 years old, with an average build, and approximately 6’0″-6’2″ tall.

They say the suspect has dark eyebrows and dark, messy, hair that’s about three inches long. The suspect apparently has a long, pointed nose and was last seen Thursdaywearing dirty khaki pants, a dirty dark jacket, and a khaki or black backpack.

Detectives say they’re also looking to speak with a potential witness who was near the scene shortly before the incident. The potential witness was apparently seen at the Forum Boulevard entrance and is described as a white female between 40-50 years old, wearing a white visor and white compression socks.

She and anyone else who was on the MKT Trail between the Stadium Boulevard and Scott Boulevard entrance during the hours of 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Thursday is asked to contact Detective Steve Wilmoth at (573) 441-5480.

Police say the 26-year-old female victim is now released from the hospital and is in stable condition.

The Columbia Police Department started allowing trail time for officers on Friday. Since then, officers say they have continuously patrolled the trail outside of their normally scheduled shifts and will continue to do so. Trail users are still urged to remain vigilant and contact law enforcement immediately if you see any suspicious persons or behavior.

UPDATE: Columbia police were investigating Thursday night after a woman was assaulted on the MKT Trail.

According to police, the 26-year-old was walking on the trail alone when she was grabbed by a white man and struck several times with an object.

A witness called police about the assault. Police responded just after 8:00 p.m. near the Forum Boulevard entrance.

Police are looking for a white male suspect who could be armed and dangerous. The suspect fled eastbound on the trail. It is unknown at this time what he could be armed with.

Detectives were on scene trying to gather more information. As of Thursday night, the Columbia Police Department blocked off part of the trail while it is being treated as a crime scene.

The woman is in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

ORIGINAL, 8:29 p.m. 8/11/16: Police confirm a person was assaulted on the MKT Trail in Columbia Thursday evening.

The call went out around 8:00 p.m. and emergency responders arrived at the Forum access.

Columbia Fire officials on the scene said a woman was injured.

An EMT on the scene told ABC 17 News an ATV was used to go on the trail and take the patient to an ambulance.

Columbia Fire, Columbia Police and MUPD were on the scene.

ABC 17 News crews are gathering the latest information and will have a live report tonight on ABC 17 News at 9 and 10.