Honduran migrant arrested for rape on popular Virginia trail

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – An alleged rapist is behind bars after officials say he attacked a woman walking on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, and police fear there may be additional victims.

Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard said the attack occurred between Ferndale Avenue and Grace Street after the victim had left a nearby business.

The suspect, identified as Denis Humberto Navarette Romero, is described as a repeat offender with a troubling history.

Officials say Romero grabbed the woman and assaulted her. She managed to escape, and police apprehended Romero minutes later in a nearby parking lot.

“I am incredibly saddened and outraged that a crime like this could happen here in the town of Herndon,” DeBoard said.

DeBoard emphasized that rapes between strangers are rare in the area, noting, “This is the only stranger rape that we’ve had in the town in my more than 12 years as chief of police.”

Romero, a Honduran national, has a documented history of sexual assaults and indecent exposures in the region dating back to 2022, according to DeBoard.

Authorities revealed that he is in the country illegally and has been arrested and released multiple times.

“What is disturbing is the number of times this individual has been arrested and released,” DeBoard said. “He has continued to reoffend, and his behavior has escalated to a rape in a very public area in our town last night.”

Residents expressed shock and concern over the attack.

“This trail is used a lot,” said Noe Flores, who lives nearby. “It’s packed, especially during the early evening hours when you have a lot of families and commuters that are coming from the metro stations.”

Another local resident, Ashley Yu, called the incident “very eye-opening.”

“It makes you realize that it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are,” Yu said.

Authorities are investigating Romero’s immigration status and history of previous arrests. When asked about the case, ICE officials said they are working on a response.

The Herndon Police Department has urged anyone with additional information or who may have been a victim to come forward.

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