Suspect arrested in sexual assault case on Bainbridge Island

The Bainbridge Island Police Department has arrested a suspect for third-degree attempted rape in Sunday’s attack against a 19-year-old Bainbridge woman.

City officials said the suspect was transported to the Kitsap County Jail late Monday night.

Authorities said the name of the suspect will not be released until charges are filed.

“I am proud of the teamwork and investigative efforts of our officers, who worked diligently over the past 36 hours to find this person,” said Bainbridge Police Commander Sue Shultz.

Police reported Monday that the 19-year-old was walking home from Safeway about 4:30 p.m. July 22 when a man approached her from behind, said something to her, then pushed her from behind as the woman started to walk along a trail near Madison Avenue and Ihland Way.

A struggle ensued, and the man held the woman on the ground by the neck as he tried to remove her pants. The woman fought back and hit the man, then bit his fingers, and he then ran off.

The attack was followed the report of another sexual assault that happened about 10 minutes later near Madison Avenue and Bjune Drive. A 53-year-old woman told officers that a man approached her from behind and grabbed her crotch and buttocks.

The description of the man in the second assault matched the one given by the victim in the first incident.

Police said the investigation is still ongoing, and anyone having additional information should contact the Bainbridge Island Police at 206-842-5211.

 

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