Law enforcement, U.S. Forest Service investigating assault at Mark Twain National Forest in Iron County

IRON COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – U.S. Forest Service and Iron County law enforcement officers are investigating an assault that took place on the Ozark Trail (OT) in the Bell Mountain Wilderness Area.

On the afternoon of March 23, a female hiker was assaulted by an unknown male while she was solo hiking near the intersection with the Bell Mountain Connector Trail, according to Cody Norris, the public affairs officer for Mark Twain National Forest.

The victim fought off her attacker and left the area.

“Everyone on Mark Twain National Forest stands alongside women and our hiking community in being appalled by such an act of violence happening on the OT,” said Lenore Lamb, Acting Forest Supervisor.

The attacker is described as a white male, late 30s to early 40s, tall and slim. He was last seen wearing a black stocking hat, sunglasses, dark pants, dark coat, and carrying a daypack.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Special Agent Chuck Lochart at charles.lochart@usda.gov.