FREDERICK, Md. (March 14, 2025)- The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), in collaboration with the National Park Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)Baltimore Field Office, has identified a suspect in the March 6, 2024, assault on a walking trail at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. During a thorough investigation, law enforcement officials developed and confirmed the suspect's identity as 34-year-old John Hawk of Florence, South Carolina. At the time of the incident, Hawk was believed to reside in Frederick County, MD.
On March 6, 2024, at approximately 6:30 PM, National Park Service law enforcement rangers, Maryland Natural Resources Police, and Maryland State Police responded to a report of an assault of a woman on the Canal Towpath Trail near Point of Rocks in Frederick, MD. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office was requested to assist with the investigation. FCSO detectives worked with allied agencies to pursue multiple leads, ultimately leading to Hawk being identified as the suspect. The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges on Hawk including attempted third-degree sex offense, false imprisonment, and second-degree assault. An arrest warrant was issued for Hawk.
On March 10, 2025, an FCSO detective and a special agent with the FBI Baltimore Field Office traveled to Florence, South Carolina, in an attempt to locate and facilitate the arrest of Hawk. Hawk was located and arrested without incident in cooperation with the Florence County (SC) Sheriff’s Office, and the Florence (SC) Police Department.
He is currently being held in Florence County, South Carolina awaiting extradition back to Maryland.
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The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency, an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 290,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.