CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating an assault that happened Easter morning in the 700 block of Kings Drive in Little Sugar Creek in midtown Charlotte.
According to a police report filed Sunday, a 50-year-old man told officers he was punched by a stranger after 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
People who spoke to WCNC Charlotte said they still feel safe.
"I did hear about the assault; I'm surprised," Derrel Poole said. "I would not have expected that, especially on the greenway and especially on an Easter Sunday."
Poole, along with CMPD, shared some tips for greenway safety.
Following the alleged attack, the wife of the victim posted on social media, saying her husband was wearing headphones at the time, and urged others to be aware of their surroundings.
"I like to know who's coming up behind me, who's coming up behind me, and if I have the earbuds in, I can't hear," Poole said.
"We should have the freedom and sense of safety, but you just have to be careful in case," Rico Marcelo, president of Barn Burners Run Club, said.
Marcelo started the running club almost a year ago with about 60 to 70 members running weekly, many times along Charlotte's greenways.
He said his group also incorporates a buddy system.
"At the end of the run, we ask, 'Hey how's your buddy finish?'" Marcelo said. "We hold each other accountable and hopefully everyone gets in safely."
A third tip CMPD recommended is to bring some kind of electronic with you, whether it's a phone or watch. Officers also recommended considering sharing your location with someone else.
Marcelo added a final tip.
"When passing by people, I would say make that eye contact," Marcelo said. "Make them aware that you're here, just so [passersby] make note of you just in case something happens."
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.