Woman Allegedly Assaulted at 'Haunted Forest' Event in Sterling: LCSO

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A woman, 20, reported that she was assaulted by an unknown male at Halloween Woods Haunted Forest in Sterling on Oct. 31 at 10:45 p.m., according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO). The Halloween Woods Haunted Forest is a seasonal event held at Algonkian Regional Park.

The woman was an employee at the event, according to Zachary Imler, owner the Haunted Forest.

Deputies say that the female was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.

The suspect was described as a Black male in his early 20’s with short hair, approximately 5’6” to 5’7” tall and was wearing dark clothing, according to the LCSO.

The suspect was in a group of 10 which was part of a larger group of 30 people visiting from Washington, D.C., according to Imler.

"She couldn't give an exact description after being hit and the other employee with her was pushed to the ground and did not see who had hit her. I received a phone call about this same group moments before this happened and was on my way to escort this group out," Imler said. "Unfortunately they literally ran out of the woods after hitting her and pushing a few of my actors down."

"Multiple deputy's showed up and interviewed their entire group and my employees," Imler continued. "We were told that the investigators would have to take it from there."

"We've never had a situation like this in the ten years I've worked here. It's sad really," he added.