Residents assist with MKT trail safety

Columbia’s residents are pitching in to make sure the trail is a safe place for everyone to enjoy.

The Forum access point is where a woman was assaulted seven weeks ago in broad daylight. Needless to say, the attack was unsettling for many trail-goers.

“I work really close to here, and I have a lot of friends that jog out here, often by themselves. It really bothered me that we had something like this so close in a place that we felt, up to this point, was so safe. It was really off-putting to know it wasn’t nearly as safe as we thought,” said Zack Gunter.

Now, residents like Mario Morales are pitching in, helping to patrol the trail in their spare time. “I love the trail, I love nature and I just want everyone to be safe. It should be peaceful,” said Morales.

Morales says he even patrols the trail when it’s dark, using a flashlight to look into bushes and check for suspicious activity. He has also been coordinating his efforts with a Columbia police officer, who often patrols the trail as well.

“We just take turns walking our dogs, or we’re here at the same time sometimes, just patrolling and making sure everything is okay. It’s a good thing that we’re here keeping an eye out, so that everyone can keep a peace of mind and not be scared to go for a walk,” said Morales.

Trail-goers say that it helps them put their minds at ease and that they’re grateful for the community’s effort.

“It’s great to hear. I mean, we’ve got enough problems with crimes here in Columbia, and I know that our police officers work hard and they do have their hands full. So, sometimes if we want things done, we have to do it ourselves. So, I think it’s great that people are taking personal responsibility for our trails,” said Gunter.

Morales says he just wants to prevent future attacks.