Stranger Sexual Assault

March 24, 2023
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a sexual assault that occurred on Thursday, March 23rd on the Oregon Rotary Bike Trail, just off County Highway D in the town of Oregon.

Deputies responded to the 911 call at 5:09 pm. The female victim reported that she was walking on the trail when a man ran at her, tackled her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. She was able fight him off and run to a nearby home. She was transported to a local hospital.

The suspect fled to a nearby parking lot and it’s believed he left the area in a vehicle. He is described as a white male, about 5’10” tall with a slender build. He has short dark hair and a short scruffy beard. He was wearing jeans and a neon yellow hooded sweatshirt.

The Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, as well as the Drone Team and detectives responded to the scene. Anyone who may have information related to this crime is asked to call the Dane County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (608) 284-6900 or leave a tip via our Sheriff’s App. The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Oregon Police Department to provide extra patrol in the area.

UPDATE April 4, 2023: Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Brooklyn man in connection with last month’s sexual assault on the Oregon Rotary Bike Trail. Richard V. Cunningham, age 42, was taken into custody at his home on the evening of Monday, April 3rd. He was booked into the Dane County Jail on tentative charges of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault, Strangulation and Felony Bail Jumping.

Deputies who responded to the scene that day collected key evidence. Both DNA and GPS technology led to the arrest of Cunningham, who was out on bail from a prior sexual assault arrest at the time of the offense. This remains on open investigation.

“As a fellow Dane County resident and trail walker, I empathize with our community members’ fear and distress following the assault. I am hopeful the news of the arrest will help ease their concerns and further their confidence in the Dane County Sheriff’s Office commitment to public safety.” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett.  “I also pray that this arrest will help the brave survivor of this assault begin to heal.”

The Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the WI State Crime Lab for their swift work on this case. We would also like to thank the Oregon Police Department for their assistance in providing an additional presence in the area following the assault.