Same thing happened several years ago on the trails I ride in the Kansas City area. The rape victim might have called 911 on her cell phone over and over, but the police would had to have been super lucky to find her in time to help. The poor gal never had a chance.
The police are heroes as far as I'm concerned. They try their best to "Protect & Serve" everyone, but it's an impossible task. Each person would need their very own cop, day and night, watching over them their entire life. I decided a long time ago it's not fair of me to shrug off the responsibility of my own safety to overworked, stressed-out law enforcement officers just trying to serve the community the best they can. I'm happy to take personal responsibility for my own safety. Let the police protect those among us who can't protect themselves well - like children and the very elderly. As far as I'm concerned, those of able mind and body who don't take at least some responsibility for their own safety and welfare are pulling resources away from those who really need them.
I'm the original author of this thread and I'm still packing my Smith & Wesson .357 magnum snubby revolver discretely on the trail. I've ridden over 2,000 miles now since I first got it - happily peddling my way to health and happiness; making new friends almost every ride; laughing with my companions and having fun with their kids as we take picnic lunches on the trail - comfortable in knowing that means to securing my safety and the safety of others is at hand if ever needed.