The Foley Police Department has made progress in the investigation of a recent attack on a 21-year-old woman on the Wilburne Antique Rose Trail. Through concerted efforts involving detectives and public assistance, they have successfully identified the suspect as Bernard Christompher Abney, a 40-year-old man from Mobile. Abney is charged with one felony count of Assault 2nd Degree and one felony count of Attempted Rape 1st Degree. 

At this time, Abney remains at large. He is known to frequent homeless shelters and encampments and is considered dangerous due to his history of violence and weapon use. The Foley Police Department is actively seeking information from the public to locate Abney, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in ensuring public safety and bringing the suspect to justice.

From the Foley Police Dept: 

It has been a long 48 hours since a twenty-one year old female victim was attacked by a stranger, random and unprovoked, while walking on the Wilburne Antique Rose Trail in Foley on Wednesday evening.  The attack hospitalized the young lady, but now she is back home and recovering well.  Her strength and tenacity coupled with fighting back likely ended the attack and possibly saved her life. 

This case has created a sense of fear within our citizens, and our investigation has been an "all hands on deck" case.  Through the great team work of our employees, diligent effort in the investigation by our detectives, and the assistance and tips generated by the public, we have been able to identify a suspect and establish probable cause for arrest warrants in the case. 

Bernard Christompher Abney of Mobile was identified and will be arrested and charged with one felony count of Assault 2nd Degree (with a deadly weapon) and one felony count of Attempted Rape 1st Degree.  Our efforts tonight in trying to locate Abney were unsuccessful, so we are appealing to the public to help locate him.  He is believed to be homeless and stays between people he may know and homeless encampments.  He also frequents venues that assist the homeless.  It is possible that he may be back in the Mobile area after seeing his picture released after the incident. 

Abney is considered dangerous and has a history of weapons and violence, so he should not be approached by the public.  We are asking for leads and information that may direct us to his whereabouts.  He is 40 years old, 5'6" tall, and 210 lbs.  He is dangerous, and we are asking for anyone with information to please call and help us get him off the streets.