Everett police warn of attacker along Interurban Trail

July 1, 2006

KING / KING5.com Staff Reports

EVERETT, WA- This weekend Everett police are warning people to watch their step while using a popular jogging trail. Several women have been attacked on the Interurban, and the search is on for the suspect.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and Everett police are stepping up patrols after four recent assaults or indecent exposure cases have occurred. Police say in the past two weeks, at least one man has carried out seven or eight attacks along the trail between 128th Street SW and the Everett Mall, targeting young women or children traveling alone, usually in the early evening between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m

"In some cases there has been just indecent exposure, in some cases victims have even been grabbed or assaulted," said Bureau Chief David Bales, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.

In one case, the man choked and tried to drag a woman into the brush.  She got away and was able to help detectives create a drawing of a suspect. So far, none of the victims have been seriously hurt.

In the last case, the suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his twenties, 5-foot-7 tall with a medium build, dark eyes and black short hair.

While the descriptions in other cases have had some similarities, it is not known whether the same suspect is responsible for the other incidents. Sheriff's investigation are trying to identify the suspect and working with Everett police who've had similar cases in the area.

Police are asking people to walk the trail in pairs during the day and try to avoid the Interurban trail after nightfall. Unaccompanied children should not be allowed to play on or near the trail.