Investigators seek person of interest in stabbing, sexual assault of woman in Smokies

A suspect sketch provided by the National Park Service shows the likeness of a man wanted for a sexual assault on a woman on the Gatlinburg Trail on Friday, June 8, 2012. The National Park Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information about the assault on a woman, who recieved multiple stab wounds but was able to make it to the road and flag down a passing motorist. The suspect is described as a white male of thin build, in his 40s, with dirty blond hair in a crew cut and a thin mustache. His height is 5 feet 9 or 5 feet 10. He was wearing glasses, black dress pants and a gray T-shirt. He has multiple tattoos, including on his shoulders and an unknown word across his abdomen. The tip line number is (865) 436-1580. (AP Photo/National Park Service)

GATLINBURG — Great Smoky Mountains National Park investigators said today they are seeking to identify and question a man a local couple says meets the description of a suspect in the June 8 sexual assault and stabbing of a female hiker.

The couple told investigators they saw the man on the Gatlinburg Trail on June 6 and on June 8 near the time of the attack, according to a park service news release.

Both his physical appearance and dress match that of the suspect, according to the news release.

During contact with the couple, the unknown man made statements suggesting that he is a roofer.

The man is thought to drive a full-size, dark blue or black, standard-cab pickup truck.

Chief Ranger Clay Jordan emphasizes, however, it is not known whether this individual is actually the assailant or whether he truthfully identified his occupation.

The 44-year-old hiker was attacked by a man she said she did not know about 2:43 p.m. while walking along the two-mile Gatlinburg Trail that runs from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the town of Gatlinburg.

Authorities say she was stabbed multiple times in her neck, shoulder and hand and sexually assaulted her before she made her way to the Gatlinburg Bypass, where she flagged down a passing motorist for assistance.

Emergency first-responders transported her by helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

The suspect is described as white, in his 40s, with dirty-blonde crew-cut hair and glasses. He is thin and stands about 5 feet, 9 inches tall.

At the time of the attack, he was wearing black dress pants and a gray t-shirt. He also has multiple tattoos, including one described as a word tattooed across his stomach.

Anyone with information as to the possible identity of the person sought for questioning is encouraged to call the tip hotline at 865-436-1580.

A reward of up to $5,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the assailant.

More details as they develop online and in Saturday’s News Sentinel.