On Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at approximately 4:50 p.m. the Town of Webb Police received a call that a woman was assaulted by a man carrying what appeared to be a hunting rifle.
The incident occurred in the Moss Lake area near Big Moose.
Law enforcement officers interviewed a 33-year-old Central Square, NY woman at the Moss Lake Trail Head. The woman stated that while hiking on the Bub and Sis Trail she was startled by a man carrying what appeared to be a black barreled rifle.
As the man approached the woman, she attempted to call 911, but discovered that there was no cell service in the area.
She was then grabbed by the man, and after a brief struggle, she was able to break free and run to safety.
The woman continued to run a considerable distance along the Moss Lake Trail until she came across other hikers who assisted her out of the woods and drove her out to Eagle Bay where law enforcement officials were then notified.
Law enforcement officers from the Town of Webb, Town of Inlet, NYS Forest Rangers, Herkimer County Sheriffs, along with aviation units and patrols of the New York State Police searched into the night for the alleged perpetrator. The woman was treated at the scene for minor cuts and bruises by Inlet Volunteer Ambulance personnel.
The perpetrator is described as a white male between the ages of 40 and 50, approximately 6 feet tall who was wearing a dark green or black t-shirt with a duck or goose logo, camouflage pants, and tan gloves. He is bald with an unkempt beard.
Anyone having information into this incident should contact the Town of Webb Police at (315) 369-6515.
