'I just held her': Grandpa of girl police say stranger tried to sexually assault speaks

STAYTON, Ore. — A Stayton man got emotional Thursday as he talked with a KATU reporter about his teenage granddaughter escaping a sexual assault attempt by a stranger.

It happened in Stayton near North 7th Avenue and East Hollister Street at just before 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to police.

Clark Ragsdale, the girl's grandfather, said she took karate lessons for five years and that may have given her some level of preparedness, but he said no one should have to go through what she experienced.

Stayton police said the attack happened as the teen was picking blackberries on a private trail. Officers said the suspect came up from behind and put his arms around her.

"He grabbed her and then she screamed and then the guy was released, I mean he took off from that point," Ragsdale told KATU. "And at that point, she ran out here, called me. I came out and, well I saw her on the cell phone. I was walking to her -- quite upset, you know, tears and so forth. ... I was just listening to her conversation when she was talking to the police department. So I, of course, I just held her and so just trying to keep my composure so I can, you know, for her."

Police described the suspect as a white man in his 30s or 40s, standing medium height, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall. They said he has a reddish-brown beard, short hair and wore a green Oregon Ducks shirt, jeans and hiking shoes.

"Would I like to get my hands on him? Of course, I would," Ragsdale explained before saying he hopes the suspect is arrested and dealt with legally. "To me, it's one of the worst things you can do, you know, assault somebody like that."

As scary as attacks by strangers are, they're rare.

Citing U.S. Justice Department statistics, RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network says 93% of victims in child sex abuse cases reported to police know their perpetrators. Of those, researchers say 59% are acquaintances and 34% are family members.

That's cold comfort to Ragsdale and his granddaughter.

"I don't remember the exact words he had said to her. I mean it was some reference to 'Come here, baby,' kind of thing," he explained.

Stayton's police chief told KATU there have been no other attacks like it in the area recently.

The trail, which is on private property owned by the nearby Santiam Hospital and Marion County, now has a no trespassing sign.

"I live right around the corner from this walking path," Anna Benefiel, describing herself as a concerned citizen, said in an email to KATU. "I've previously filed complaints as the path is in connection with thefts, transients and nothing good!"

In response to concerns from her and others in the neighborhood about the trail, Terry Fletchall, CEO of Santiam Hospital, sent KATU the following statement:

"The unfortunate incident that you are referring to is of significant concern. The walkway in reference is partially owned by Marion County and Santiam Hospital. No trespassing signs were placed on hospital property on Wednesday upon the advice of Stayton Police Department. The police department advised us that they have requested Marion County to post no trespassing signs on their property. We will work with our neighbors including Mrs. Benefiel, the City of Stayton and its police department, and Marion County Housing Authority to determine the best possible solution for all involved."