Sexual Predator Targeting Lone Women at Parks Arrested: Glenn Thompson Braden Apprehended by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) announced on Wednesday morning that they have arrested a sexual predator accused of targeting lone women at parks in Jefferson County. The suspect, identified as Glenn Thompson Braden, 20, of Evergreen, was apprehended after he exposed himself to two separate women hiking alone at Stapleton Park near the Beaver Brook Trailhead.
The arrest followed a 911 call from one of the hikers who encountered Braden. She reported that he approached her, exposed himself, began masturbating, and even attempted to grab her. The hiker managed to escape and promptly reported the incident to authorities. Just a few minutes later, Braden confronted a second female hiker, exposing himself again.
After an extensive search that lasted for about two and a half hours, deputies and park rangers located Braden hiding in the woods. Following a brief chase, he was apprehended. He was wearing clothing that matched the description provided by the hikers.
The JCSO believes that Braden is also responsible for other reported sexual encounters at Flying J Ranch Park in Conifer and Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. He has been booked into the Jefferson County Jail on three counts of unlawful sexual contact and five counts of indecent exposure.
Braden is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday at 10 a.m., according to the county jail.
The JCSO initially reported on this at-large suspect on July 26, stating that he was targeting solo female hikers in the Evergreen and Conifer area. Multiple reports had been received regarding a man confronting women at Flying J Ranch Park and Alderfer/Three Sisters Park.
The encounters described by victims varied in severity. Some incidents involved the suspect approaching women while naked, grabbing them, masturbating in front of them, and engaging in sexual conversation. In each instance, the suspect fled into the woods.
Meanwhile, incidents reported at Maxwell Falls and Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen are unrelated to the sexual assault cases, according to the JCSO spokesperson.
In light of this arrest, the JCSO reiterates the importance of personal safety while enjoying outdoor activities, whether alone or in a group. They advise solo hikers to carry bear spray or pepper spray, stay aware of their surroundings by avoiding the use of headphones on trails, and let someone know their location or share their GPS with a loved one. In the unfortunate event of an attack, experts recommend targeting soft targets like the eyes, throat, and groin while trusting one’s intuition if a situation feels unsafe.
As the community awaits Braden’s court appearance, it is hoped that his capture will bring relief to the victims and discourage any further incidents. The JCSO reminds everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize personal safety in their outdoor pursuits.
