Marlborough Police Arrest Man In Assabet River Rail Trail Assault

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Police have arrested a 35-year-old man following an assault and attempted rape along the Assabet River Rail Trail early Monday morning. Police were able to identify the man after the woman he attacked took a video of him running from the scene of the assault.

The incident happened just before 6:30 a.m. Monday along the trail near Fitchburg Street and Sasseville Way. The man grabbed the 40-year-old woman by the neck and pushed her onto the ground, police said.

"The victim screamed loudly and fought to defend herself as the suspect tried to pull off some of her clothing," Marlborough police said. "The victim was able to break free from the suspect, who then turned and ran in the opposite direction towards the Fitchburg Street intersection."

The woman suffered minor injuries to her mouth and leg. She still managed to take a 13-second video of the suspect running away. Marlborough police also found surveillance images of the suspect, identified as Jonathan Parker, 35.

Parker has been charged with assault and battery and assault to rape, according to police.