West Virginia Man Charged with Attempted Rape in Park

Jeffrey Uy | MCPD

A 22-year-old West Virginia man has been charged with second-degree rape and assault of a 24-year-old woman at a Gaithersburg-area park, Montgomery County police said in a statement.

Jeffrey Michael Uy of Tall Pine Lane in Gerrardstown, West Virginia, is being held without bail at the Montgomery County Detention Center in Rockville, according to online court records.

About 10:30 a.m. Monday, police received a report of an assault that occurred near Great Seneca Stream Valley Park near Frederick and Game Preserve roads in Gaithersburg.

The victim had been walking her dog on a trail in the park when she was approached by a man, police said. The man started to talk to her about the dog, then asked twice to have sex, police said.

When the woman refused, the man then grabbed her by her arms and tried to restrain her, police said. The victim freed herself from the man’s grip and fled into the park; the man chased her, police said. Once the woman determined that the man was no longer behind her, she immediately called 911, police said.

As Montgomery Village District officers spoke to the victim, she saw the man walking on a nearby trail and pointed him out to the officers, police said. Officers stopped the suspect and identified him as Uy, police said.

Uy was taken to the Central Processing Unit where he was charged with one count of attempted second-degree rape and one count of second-degree assault.

Montgomery County Police offer these safety tips for anyone using a park:

• Notify family or friends of your plans — where you will be and what time that you expect to return.
• Know the name and location of the park that you are using.
• Always carry a cell phone with you and ensure that it is fully charged.
• Know your exact location at all times; if you need emergency services, it will help rescue personnel find you.
• Observe your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid poorly lit or desolate areas.
• Trust your feelings; if you feel uncomfortable in someone’s presence, take measures to distance yourself from him or her.

Anyone with information regarding Uy or a victim is urged to call the police 24-hour non-emergency line at 301-279-8000.

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