Authorities plan 'stronger presence' after attack at Silver Creek Metro Park in Norton

Summit Metro Parks is beefing up its presence at the 1000-acre Silver Creek Metro Park in Norton after a disturbing attack Sunday on a woman hiking in the park, a park spokesperson said Tuesday.

The woman told Norton police and fire authorities she was attacked by two teenagers or young men on the Chippewa Trail, a 2-mile route that runs past a local dairy barn on Eastern Road. The semi-rural area is painted with farms, including the Seiberling, Beddow and Quinn farms.

In Norton police body cam footage, the woman told police the suspects threw a substance on her, "and then I was on fire."

"I don't know what they threw on me," she says in the footage.

Police lead her to an ambulance waiting in the parking lot at the start of the trail, where police questioned a hiker about the incident.

"When I pulled in, I heard real nasty screaming," he tells police. "... I saw her weaving, coming towards me."

The woman was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, the district said.

'Stronger presence at Silver Creek,' says district

In a phone interview Tuesday, Claire Merrick, marketing and public relations manager with the parks district, said the incident is unlike anything the district has seen before. She said Norton police were first to arrive at the scene.

"We do often work hand in hand with local law enforcement," she said. "Norton is part of the ongoing investigation."

Although unique, the incident is the second attack this summer in a Summit Metro park. On June 28, a woman jogging on the Towpath Trail in downtown Akron was dragged to the ground before a bystander approached and her attacker fled.

Merrick said the district wasn't surprised by community and media concern about the most recent incident.

"We certainly understand people taking some precautions," she said.

In response, the district is increasing ranger presence as the crime is investigated.

"Certainly, there will be a stronger presence at Silver Creek," she said.

Silver Creek Metro Park hiker has concerns, questions about attack

Ken Parker, a Wadsworth resident who was hiking the trail with his two dogs Tuesday, said an increased presence would be welcomed after the incident.

"They could use more rangers around here," he said. "... I'm more concerned."

Parker said he had questions about the attack.

"Have you ever heard of a liquid that splashes on you and then ignites?" he said. "What is it and how did they obtain it?"

About a mile down the road at Rocky's in Barberton, owner Shaun "Rocky" Jaber said some customers had inquired about the attack, but he was surprised at how few had done so. Those who had talked about it were concerned about returning to the trail.

"Customers are worried about going back there until there's more security," he said.

Keep contacts close at hand, says district

On Monday, Norton police, who arrived first at the scene, called it a senseless attack.

"This kind of violence is unacceptable in our community, and we are determined to do everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of our residents," Norton Police Chief Brett McShane said in the news release.

Merrick said the State Fire Marshal is analyzing the substance used in the attack. Two State Fire Marshal employees at the Norton park Tuesday said they were there on unrelated business.

Merrick said the district had no update on the woman's condition but advised that hikers keep park and law enforcement contacts with them or bring a friend along.

"We always encourage people to report," she said. "If you see something, say something."

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Authorities plan 'stronger presence' after attack at Silver Creek Metro Park in Norton