Tonya Maxwell

tmaxwell@citizen-times.com

Rangers with the National Park Service on Monday released a sketch of an unkempt man, about 50 years old, believed to be responsible for an assault on a woman who was found tied to a tree in the popular Craggy Gardens area near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The 64-year-old woman was hiking with her service dog when firefighters discovered her tied to a tree May 12. The hiker was treated and released that same evening at Mission Hospital.

Eleven days after that assault, the National Park Service has released a sketch of a man they had previously described as a generally unkempt white male with salt-and-pepper hair and facial hair partially grown in.

He was believed to be wearing a light or faded gray short sleeve T-shirt, old or faded baggy blue pants and a dark pair of tennis shoes. He may have smelled musty from going unwashed for several days, according to officials.

Rescuers found the woman after her friend called 911, saying she had first received text messages about changing hiking plans, but then received an emergency message. The caller could not discern the problem. Firefighters found the woman tied to a tree near Craggy Gardens, a popular stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway noted for its sweeping views.

In a pair of news releases, the National Park Service initially described the incident as a "possible assault," and indicated it was likely isolated. Other than noting that an assault did occur, rangers have declined to release details of a crime in an area that draws locals and tourists alike.

Rangers are asking anyone who might have information to call an investigative tip line at 888-653-0009.

Rangers confirm Parkway assault