Investigators: Silver Creek trail attack false report

By BOB MOREHEAD

BGNN senior staff writer

Norton Police and Summit County Metro Parks Rangers spent several days last week trying to track down an assailant who didn’t exist, investigators say.

A woman hiking at Silver Creek Metro Park July 28 told police and rangers that two men, one with curly hair, approached her on her trek and threw some sort of substance on her legs, which combusted and caused serious burns.

EMS took her to a hospital for treatment.

“This type of attack is incredibly uncommon within Summit Metro Parks,” parks marketing and communications chief Lindsay Smith said at the time.

“This kind of violence is unacceptable in our community and we are going to do everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of our residents,” Norton Police Chief Bret McShane added.

But it turns out it never happened. Metro Parks released Aug. 1 that the woman’s injuries were self-inflicted and there never was an attack.

“Following a joint investigation involving investigators from the Summit Metro Parks ranger department, Norton Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s office, it has been determined that the report of an attack on Chippewa Trail at Silver Creek Metro Park on Sunday, July 28 was falsely made,” Smith said.

“The person who made the report admitted the injuries were self-inflicted and the report she made was not accurate. No other individuals were involved in the incident.”

Smith acknowledged the panic the report caused at the time.

“We understand that this incident has caused significant fear for our park visitors,” Smith said. “We hope that the conclusion and outcome of this case will reassure those who were wary of visiting the trails, as there is no public threat resulting from this false claim. We hope through this unfortunate circumstance the person involved receives the care and support she needs. If you are experiencing distress, please contact 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline.”

It was stated at the time of the report that such an assault is rare at Summit County Metro Parks.

“For more than 100 years, Summit Metro Parks has offered clean and safe parks for public enjoyment,” according to the statement provided by Metro Parks. “We will continue to ensure that our parks remain calming and safe spaces for our visitors. Summit Metro Parks rangers are always available to assist park visitors.”