WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —
UPDATE: Winston-Salem police said they've arrested a man accused of trying to abduct a female jogger on Wednesday. Police said they arrested Dylan Cody Smyers, 19, on Friday at the police station. This is a breaking update. Stay with us for more.
The Winston-Salem Chief of Police said, "We’ve made an arrest. All of the hard work from the men and women of the Winston Salem Police Department, as well as their investigative skills and techniques, have paid off. The gentleman who assaulted that lady is in custody. It’s a good day.”
The investigation began Wednesday. Police said a woman was jogging along E. Salem Avenue near Cemetery Street around 5:30 p.m. when a man tried to take her.
Fortunately, the woman wasn't hurt. The suspect took off.
Smyers was arrested Friday at the Public Safety Center at 12:30 p.m., shortly after police released a photo of a truck believed to be connected to the attempted abduction.
Officers said they seized Smyers' boots and two cell phones when he was arrested.
Smyers is being charged with second-degree kidnapping and sexual battery.
Police said it appears the incident was random and isolated, they do not believe there are any other suspects and there is not an ongoing danger to the public.
Winston-Salem resident, Kira Wood said she takes a walk along the Winston-Salem trails a couple times a week. Learning about this attempted abduction terrifies her.
"It's really scary knowing that it happened so early in the day. It's definitely going to make me take more precautions when I'm out and about and make sure I tell people where I'm going and tell them how long I'm going to be gone," Wood said.
Wood said it's important to keep your eyes open and head on a swivel when walking/jogging or even biking alone.
Winston-Salem State University is just a few miles from East Salem Avenue.
Chief of Police there, Amir Henry, said being aware of your surroundings is important.
"A few things that I would share is, try not to be distracted. Let somebody know where you're going," Chief Henry said.
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