Police: Man gropes woman at West Seattle park, apologizes, takes off

SEATTLE -- Police say a man grabbed a woman from behind on a trail in Lincoln Park in West Seattle just before dusk. Police want to warn people about using caution if they plan to exercise at local parks by themselves.

Wendy Cummins was shocked Wednesday to hear about the attack at her neighborhood park.

Cummins said, "Well, it is scary because it can happen to anybody at any time, I guess."

Police say the woman was exercising when the man grabbed her sexually from behind. The victim says the man apologized to her before taking off.

Police are looking for a Hispanic or Pacific Islander who is about 18 years old. He was reported to be about 5-foot-6 with a slender build. He did not have any facial hair and was wearing a white shirt and dark shorts during the attack.

Police say woman should walk in groups if they can. If you use earbuds, turn the volume down so you can pay attention to your surroundings. It's also a good idea to visit the parks when more people are around and don't stay long after dark.

Cummins says you can't be too careful these days.

"I do take precautions. I do try to come here when there’s a lot of people here in the morning and in the afternoons and stuff. But it is really scary that that could happen," Cummins said.