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Denis Humberto Naverrette Romero was arrested and charged with abduction with the intent to defile and rape following an incident on the trail that was reported in the afternoon of Nov. 18 between Ferndale Avenue and Grace Street in Herndon.
According to longtime Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard, shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday night, officers were called by a passerby who was approached by a woman who alleged she had been raped on the trail after leaving an area business.
She said that Naverrette Romero allegedly approached the woman, grabbed her, forced her to the ground and raped her before she could fight him off and ran away.
"What is disturbing is the number of times this individual has been arrested and released, and he continues to reoffend," DeBoard said. "And it has escalated to rape in a very public area in our town last night."
The chief noted that Naverrette Romero is a Honduran native with a checked criminal past.
"We believe there could be additional victims," DeBoard said during a conference on Tuesday. "He has a documented history of sexual assault and exposures in the region, including charges prior to last night's incident."
When he was arrested, Naverrette Romero was found with possession of his victim's property. He is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond. The investigation is ongoing.
"I am incredibly saddened and outraged that this could happen in the town of Herndon," DeBoard said. "This is the only stranger rape I've seen in 12 years as a chief.
"It impacts the victim directly and the entire community ... Especially in a very public area that is considered safe and used by residents and visitors on a daily basis."
DeBoard said that there will be additional officers and an increased police presence on the trail moving forward as a precaution.
In addition to the charges, a protection order was also issued.
"I want our community to know you should feel safe in town knowing that this individual has been removed from our streets in a rapid manner and remains in custody," DeBoard added. "Do not fear using trails or streets, but remain vigilant when walking alone."
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