Garfield County Sheriff Reports Surprising Increase In Numbers Of Naked Trail Running Men In The Area

As the weather warms, Coloradans do what comes naturally: get outside for a nice trail run, mountain bike ride, maybe even host a picnic or two. In Carbondale, however, the warm weather seems to have also arrived with naked men.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office has responded to a surprising uptick in reports of naked, trail-running men in the area, and has issued a press release warning residents there:

Never, Never, Walk alone! Always have at least one partner, be aware of your surroundings at all times, look, listen and do not become complacent, carry a cell phone in case of emergency and always report anything suspicious, immediately. Do not put yourself in harm’s way if you witness something inappropriate. It’s important to be confident, loud and not willing to be a victim of any crime.

Specific incidents, according to the sheriff, include:

• On March 28th, 2012 at approximately 1:56 p.m. a citizen observed a naked male running on Red Hill Trail. He is described as a white male with red hair, approximately 5’10” tall and an athletic build.

• On April 29, 2012 at approximately 11:06 a.m. a citizen observed a naked man running near the top of Red Hill Trail. He is described as a white male, short brown hair, approximately 5’9” tall with a runners build.

• On May 2, 2012 at approximately 4:36 p.m. a citizen observed a naked man hiding behind a tree near the Lorax Trail. The suspect is described a white male, brown hair, small beard, 5’11” tall, 25-30 years old.

• On April 22, 2012 at approximately 2:34 p.m. a citizen observed a male party masturbating in the brush just off the Rio Grande Trail, near the Catherine Bridge Trailhead. The suspect is described as a white male with shoulder length light or graying hair, approximately 5’10” to 6’0” tall and a medium to thick build.

The press release continues, "As we continue to review and investigate similar sightings in the Carbondale area, The Garfield County Sheriff’s office is asking citizens to be vigilant with their safety and report any suspicious occurrences immediately... Do not put your safety in jeopardy, call 9-1-1 immediately."

According to the Grand Junction Sentinel, the sheriff’s department has responded 11 similar reports on the same three trails dating back to 2008.

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