Mill Creek MetroParks chief of police talks safety after woman assaulted at park

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Mill Creek MetroParks chief of police Randy Campana spoke on the importance of safety after a woman was assaulted on park grounds this week.

Officers with the Mill Creek MetroParks police department received a call Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. that a woman had been assaulted during her afternoon walk near Daffodil Meadow.

Chief Campana told First News the 33-year-old woman was struck several times in the face before she fought off her attacker.

The suspect fled the scene and officers were unable to locate him at that time. However, Chief Campana said officers recovered evidence from the scene that they are confident will have the suspect’s DNA.

He said the attack was likely not targeted, and it has been many years since they’ve responded to an issue in that area.

“We do our best to have officer presence in these areas of the park,” Chief Campana said. “Just be aware of your surroundings, don’t venture into an area where you don’t have an escape route, and, like I said, the most important thing is just to be aware of what’s going on around you, who’s around you, areas of escape, that sort of thing.”

Police are still working with the prosecutor to determine what charges will be filed once the assailant is apprehended.

If you see something or someone suspicious, Chief Campana says don’t ever hesitate to call park police at 330-744-3848.

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