I sure hope not. This trail has been a vital part of our community for many years. I grew up here in Summerville and the trail is where we jog, bike, walk and spend time with family and friends. I hope this is NOT a sign of things to come.

I've heard of someone else being mugged there a couple of years ago, and who knows how many more incidents may have occurred but not been reported. I believe no one should use this trail alone.

I have run from the YMCA to 1 mile past Bacons Bridge section for almost 4 years with my daughter and wife and have always felt safe for my family. In that time I have never heard of any incident that would threaten people who use the trail, we have always had good experience with runners,bikes,walkers, and dog walkers!

I have heard of other crimes on that trail. I think that if people want to use it for walking or running they should have someone else with them. I know someone that walks their dogs on the trail even a dog can be deterrent to an attacker. Also an increase police presence might help. I don't think that arming yourself is a viable solution.

There's crimes no matter where you go, cmon folks.....the trail is no more dangerous than the Walmart or Target parking lots. There are bad guys everywhere, it's the society we live in, period. I do know if this 17 yr old had a small compact handgun for protection, this sick nutcase wouldn't still be on the loose..... so before folks like Stan start on me about she is to young for a CWP, I would rather deal with my daughters under age violation for carrying a gun versus a lifetime of emotional damaging pain for being violated.

Of course I don't have the details on this incident however my concern is teens and social networking. I feel that the more teens and the general public post on FB and other social networks stating things such as going to run and where, or have to go run alone or whatever the activity maybe and stating where they are exposing themselves to danger. Too much information is shared these days and many are sharing too much information that gives ones who are not to be trusted in this world information. I also believe that not only teens all should consider taking someone with them when they run/walk on any local trail. Things like this have happened in other areas of the community. I do not feel the trail is unsafe I feel many should consider safety precautions when doing outside activities always.

I don't see carrying a concealed weapon with a permit as 'not a viable solution.' If only the bad guys can have a weapon then the good guys are in trouble. If I was a person planning to prey on innocents, I would be happy to know that not one of them was armed! Free pickings! The police can't be everywhere!

Carrying a weapon to protect myself seems to be a far better "viable solution" to being raped by a predator like this. Thankfully, we still all have the right to choose our own "viable solutions".

I understand the trail is a "gun free zone". Perhaps we should post it as a "rape and knife free zone" and this would have never happened.

"Gun free zone" postings are useless. All it says is "Law abiding citizens are not armed here" and what does that accomplish? A far more effective posting would be a large sign that says "Our trained law abiding conceal carry citizens are welcome here and encouraged to carry their weapon" if you believe that a sign can deter crime, which sign do you think might make a criminal think twice?

I think a gravestone could be considered a sign..put the perp under it and you will deter crime.

I am considering putting together a community action team. It would be all volunteers that would patrol the trail and connected parks at random intervals. I have been running this trail for years and it is a shame that it will be an untapped resource as residents are undoubtedly shying away from it after this incident. I believe a strong presence is necessary as the trail is very secluded and a perfect place for child predators, rapists, and other degenerates to attack. I am not sure where to start, but I may approach the home owner's association to see if I can get funding for some signs on the trail that it is patrolled as well as shirts that identify action team members. I am a military police veteran and have training and experience that I can impart on volunteers as well as connections with a local MMA gym that may be willing to teach offensive/defensive hand-to-hand combat and disarming techniques free of charge for members. Any feedback on this idea would be great!

Nathan, talk to SPD. They held set up crime watches in neighborhoods all the time, I'm sure they could help you set up a crime watch along the Sawmill Branch Canal. Please email me and I can help lindsay.street@patch.com

As for other people not reporting incidents, the place where the victim was attacked is actually a spot I stopped walking/running because I had a group of young teenage boys taunt me there one day. I'm sure they were harmless, but I'm a small woman so chose to avoid the area. Granted, I walk/run with two large dogs (one's a pit bull) so feel pretty safe but I know it deterred me from wanting to go to that side. I never reported that incident since it wasn't really an "incident" but it was enough to make me feel uncomfortable.

Danger is all around us whether we are sleeping, walking, driving, etc... It is up to each person to take steps and responsibility to prepare for evil. This can be achieved by taking defensive tactics classes, cell phone to contact police, obtaining a concealed weapons permit and having the weapon on your person, keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, having a monitored alarm system, being a defensive driver, etc... Getting rid of walkways and motor vehicles, which most of us enjoy and depend on, is not the answer. Best advise to all...take time out to prepare for your own safety.

WELL said Kendall, all of us have to step up from the norm, people are naturally resistant to change but each must chose their own way to protect ones self.

Lindsay, it's unfortunate that your running route has been changed d/t your incident, this is a prime example of how the bad guys win..... which cannot be tolerated by law abiding citizens, what "side" are you avoiding ??