Richardson Police Department officers are investigating a sexual assault near a Dallas Area Rapid Transit station.
A passenger left a DART train at the Spring Valley Station on October 18, between 10 and 11 p.m., when a man reportedly attacked her, committing sexual assault, according to a press release from Richardson police.
Investigators are still searching for the suspect.
The victim was walking north on a trail near 500 N. Greenville Ave. at the time, according to Richardson police.
The suspect was reportedly a tall black male in his early 30s, wearing a black or grey t-shirt and long denim pants at the time. He likely weighs close to 250 pounds and has neck-length dreadlocks with bleached ends.
Officials encouraged anyone with information to contact Richardson police at 972-744-4955.
“The Richardson Police Department remains committed to the safety of our community and urges anyone who experiences or witnesses suspicious activity to report it promptly,” the department said in the release.
Richardson police also urged residents walking alone to stay in well-lit and populated areas, to avoid distractions like phones or headphones, to walk confidently and alert, to inform others of their route and estimated arrival, and to consider carrying an alarm or whistle.
“If you feel unsafe, trust your instincts and seek help immediately,” the department said.
The Dallas Express reached out to Richardson police — a media representative declined to comment, saying there had been no updates before publication.
This is just the latest instance of violence near DART lines.
In July, a suspect allegedly stabbed and killed a man near a Richardson DART station, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. Police ultimately arrested him at another station, hours later, and more than 12 miles away.
In the first week of October, two victims were fatally shot on DART lines in Dallas, The Dallas Express also reported.
At the time, DART Police Chief Charles Cato said those types of crime were “extremely rare,” and that crime had been decreasing across the system.
Yet, crime has increased on DART lines, according to a quarterly update released on August 27. Group A Offenses – including arson, assault, robbery, and drugs – doubled from 3.4 per 100,000 riders in January to 6.81 in June.
In addition to rising crime, DART made its largest service cuts in history in September, citing financial shortfalls.
As The Dallas Express exclusively reported, the agency spent more than $2.4 million on bonuses for executive staff – and nearly doubled its number of executives – from 2020 to 2024.