Suspect Identified and Arrested in 2024 Assault on C&O Canal Trail

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Authorities arrested John Hawk, 34, for a 2024 assault on the C&O Canal Trail in Maryland. He was apprehended in South Carolina and awaits extradition.

Authorities have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with the March 6, 2024, assault of a woman on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park walking trail. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), in partnership with the National Park Service and the FBI Baltimore Field Office, confirmed the suspect as 34-year-old John Hawk of Florence, South Carolina. At the time of the incident, Hawk was believed to be residing in Frederick County, Maryland.

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The assault occurred near Point of Rocks, Maryland, around 6:30 p.m., prompting a response from National Park Service law enforcement rangers, Maryland Natural Resources Police, and Maryland State Police. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office was brought in to assist with the investigation. After gathering evidence and following multiple leads, detectives identified Hawk as the suspect. The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office subsequently charged him with attempted third-degree sex offense, false imprisonment, and second-degree assault, leading to an arrest warrant.

On March 10, 2025, law enforcement officials, including an FCSO detective and an FBI special agent, traveled to Florence, South Carolina, to locate and arrest Hawk. With the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department, Hawk was taken into custody without incident.

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Hawk is currently being held in Florence County, South Carolina, awaiting extradition to Maryland, where he will face prosecution. Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding the motive or any prior connection between the suspect and the victim.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.

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