Crime & Safety

FROM PATCHES NEARBY: Lakewood Police Looking For Sexual Assault Suspect

The man first exposed himself to a woman Friday night outside the Walgreens, then he later tried to attack her before running away. The incident was captured on camera.

Lakewood Police are looking for a man who allegedly tried to sexually assault a woman Friday outside the off Bridgeport Way south of University Place.

According to spokesman Chris Lawler, the woman drove to the Walgreens around 10:30 p.m. She parked her car in the parking lot, got out of her vehicle and started to walk toward the entrance to the store.

She was approached by an unknown black male who asked her for a cigarette, which she gave him. She told police that she thought the male was going to ask her for a light, but instead noticed that he had exposed himself and appeared to be touching himself with his other hand. She quickly walked past the male and entered the store.

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The woman was in the store for approximately 10 minutes. After paying for her purchases, she walked towards the exit and looked to see if the suspect was still there. She did not see him so she started walking towards her vehicle in the parking lot. The suspect was hiding behind a pillar and as she walked past he reached out and grabbed her on the buttocks in an aggressive manner from behind.

"The victim was surprised and upset by this," Lawler said. "She turned to confront the suspect who started to run away."

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"The victim had dropped her bag and purse and as she was reaching to retrieve her items the suspect returned and grabbed her. He lifted her off the ground while groping her with his hands. The victim struggled to get free from his grip.Β  She was able to place her feet on a parked car and push hard enough to cause the suspect to lose his balance and let her go. The victim grabbed her cell phone and told the suspect she was calling the police. The suspect fled on foot in a southbound direction on Bridgeport Way.

As the victim picked up her belongings she noticed that her wallet was missing.Β  The victim contacted the store manager and called 911. Police officers arrived and initiated a K9 track that was not successful in locating the suspect.

The suspect was described as a black male, around 20 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with slight build, black hair, baseball cap, dark colored vest, long sleeved shirt and jeans. The wallet taken from the victim is described as red in color with white polka dots and has not been recovered.

The incident was captured on the store’s security system, which have been posted in the media gallery.


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