Sheriff’s office looking for a sexual predator at Flying J Ranch in Conifer | #childpredator | #kidsaftey | #childsaftey

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is looking for an unarmed sexual predator targeting female hikers in Flying J Ranch Park in Conifer.

Anyone who was hiking in the park in the last month who saw anything unusual or suspicious should contact the sheriff’s office at 303-271-0211, according to spokeswoman Karlyn Tilley.

“Even something they think might be nothing,” Tilley said. “If they got an uncomfortable feeling and remember seeing someone who fits the description in the park, we would like to know the day and time they saw this person.”

The suspect is described as a white male, 20-30 years old, fit/athletic build with dark-colored hair. He has carried a dark-colored backpack in some cases. In each incident, the suspect has run off into the woods, avoiding capture.

Tilley said the department knows that discussions have cropped up on social media, and investigators want to hear from those people, too, especially since the man’s behavior has become more aggressive.

Deputies have taken seven reports so far, with six incidents in Flying J and one at Alderfer Three Sisters Park. The first report involving this suspect occurred on April 3, when a naked man approached a female hiker and touched her buttocks, according to a press release. He fled the area and was not located by law enforcement. 

On June 13, a naked man confronted a female victim and began masturbating. He contacted three women on July 18 in which he fondled two victims, masturbated and engaged in sexual conversation. On July 24, the man confronted a female hiker while masturbating, and then grabbed the victim and tried to rip off her clothing. 

Tilley said extra patrols are in the area, and signs have been erected at trailheads to warn hikers about the potential danger. 

“We are trying to do everything we can to keep our community safe,” Tilley said. “We want people to understand that it’s still happening, and he’s still at large.”

The Sheriff’s Office suggests hiking with a friend or family member, not walking off trail, taking a phone with you, being aware of those around you and reporting anything suspicious immediately.