Update: Suspect Faces Additional Charges in Trail Attacks

Fair Oaks Police District detectives have obtained additional charges against Jeremiah Tolley in multiple assaults that took place along various trails in Fairfax. Tolley has been charged with seven additional counts of sexual assault that date back to attacks in late August. He remains at the Adult Detention Center without bond. If you have been a victim of an assault along these trails, please contact Detective N. Porter at 703-591-0966 or Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

UPDATE: Tonight at 7 pm, Detectives in the Fair Oaks Police District arrested Jeremiah Whitmore Tolley, 21, of Fairfax. He was charged with abduction with intent to defile and sexual assault connected to the incident last night. Detectives are actively investigating to determine if the other assaults are connected to Tolley.

Fair Oaks Police District – Fair Oaks detectives are investigating a sexual assault that occurred late yesterday afternoon on a bike and walking trail near Waples Mill Road and Random Hills Road. A woman was walking alone along the trail at 5:10 pm when a man grabbed her from behind in a bear hug and groped her. The attack stopped when a passing car spooked the suspect. He was last seen running westbound along Random Hills Road. The victim was not injured. Responding officers, K-9 units and our helicopter saturated the area looking for the man but didn’t find him. He’s described as white, 18 – 30 years old, with a thin build, and around 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall. He had dark blonde/light brown hair and was unshaven and was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt.

Detectives are working to determine if this case is linked to several other assaults that have occurred on nearby trails in the Fairfax area in which the victims’ buttocks were grabbed. Over the last two weeks, there were five assaults that generally occurred after 4 pm, as women were exercising along the trails.

Please consider following these safety tips so everyone can continue to safely enjoy the trails:

◾Run, jog, or walk in familiar areas and with a friend.

◾Do not run, jog, or walk in a poorly lit or secluded area or after dark.

◾Do not wear headphones or earbuds.

◾Switch up your route and pattern so your actions aren’t predictable.

◾Be aware of your surroundings.

If you have been a victim of an assault and have not reported it or have information about these crimes, please call Detective N. Porter at 703-591-0966.

You may also contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)**, or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.