Public Safety Threat: McAllen police unsure if assaults on hike and bike trails linked to one Anchor Baby

7/9/2014

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The latest victim allegedly assaulted Monday on a popular McAllen hike and bike trail is likely relieved.

"These are random acts, but we do the best to follow up on them," Lt. Phillip Foley of the McAllen Police Department said.

Antonio Martinez, 17, is facing an assault charge.

Police sai he grabbed a woman around 3:15 pm on the 6200 block of North 17th Street.

She was allegedly stopped by Martinez who asked her about some cigarettes.

Shen she tried to walk away with her bike, he placed his hands on her from behind, according to Lt. Foley.

She wasn't injured.

But a mother of two on Saturday wasn't so lucky.

She was allegedly wrestled to the ground from behind while running on the 2nd Street Trail near Martin Avenue.

The victim spoke exclusively to Action 4 News on Monday about the deadly threat on her life.

"When he told you that he was going to kill you, did you believe him?" Action 4's Ryan Wolf asked. 

"I couldn't believe him because I knew that I needed to live," the woman responded.

In December 2012, Action 4 News also reported on another woman attacked on the very same trail.

Both alleged victims say they were punched and bruised while alone in the early morning hours."He wanted to take me and I had to go with him," she said in the interview from January, 2013.  "I was able to fight him off and here I am."

McAllen police say they have stepped up patrol in the parks and on the trails.

They wouldn't disclose the exact measures in place to avoid giving the bad guys and edge.

Ryan asks Lt. Foley, "Is the public is safe?"

"Yes," he said without hesitation.  "I personally use the trails.  Almost 3 to 4 times a week at night till about 10 to 10:30 at night.  I've always felt safe."

It's peace of mind, not everyone shares.

The lieutenant says it's too early to tell if the suspect who's been arrested could be linked to Saturday mornings attack on 2nd Street.

They plan to speak with the victim when she returns from out of town.

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