Police release sketch of shirtless man with gun who groped woman

Have you seen him? The suspect in a Lakewood area groping attack.



LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- Police have released a sketch of an armed attacker who grabbed a woman from behind Friday at Fort Steilacoom Park, hoping releasing his picture brings him to justice.

According to the Lakewood Police Department, the 52-year-old woman was grabbed from behind at 1:54 p.m. Friday at the park. When she turned around, she saw a man armed with a gun who continued to reach for her.

Acting quick, the woman pushed the man to the ground and ran away. A witness nearby heard her screams and ran over to assist the victim.

The area was searched by a police K9 unit and the WSP Airplane, but the suspect was not located, police said. Some area schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, 5'7", thin muscular build, blue and brown knit cap with no shirt and blue jeans. The suspect has a distinctive tattoo on his chest or shoulder of a blue or purple sun. The victim appeared to be very fit, with noticeably defined muscles, police said.

If anyone in the public knows anything about this case, call the Lakewood Police Department at 253-830-5064. Tips can also be submitted at the Lakewood website, here.

Or call Crimestoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS.