Police continue to search for a suspect who allegedly physically and sexually assaulted a teenage girl in broad daylight on a popular hiking trail in Reading.

The Cumru Township Police Department said the incident occurred around 10 a.m. Feb. 22 on the township section of the Thun Trail, in the vicinity of the foot bridge near First Avenue in West Reading.The victim, 15, reported she was walking toward Reading City on the Thun Trail, behind the RM Palmer Co.As she approached the foot bridge to cross over the river toward Reading City, an unknown man came up behind her.The victim stepped to the side to let the man pass her on the trail, but he grabbed her and then physically and sexually assaulted her before running back down the trail heading east.The victim described the suspect as a black man with a dark complexion, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, late 20s to early 30s, with dark hair, wide nose, gray stubble facial hair, yellow teeth, a tattoo consisting of letters across his stomach, wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, a black hat and black shoes.Police officers from Reading City Police and the West Reading Police Department responded to the scene and assisted in the initial investigation.Trail safety is important while hiking on any trail, according to Laura Catalano, communications director, Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area.Catalano said the organization has recommendations for trail safety, and noted there are trail blades that mark the trail so people can give their location."They should look for those if they see something they're not comfortable with," Catalano said. "We recommend they walk or bike with a partner or friend so that they're not alone."Anyone with information concerning this incident or the individual involved is asked to contact the Cumru Township Police Department at 610-777-9595.If anyone would prefer to stay anonymous, they are asked to contact Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913.