Man arrested for alleged voyeurism, sexual assault of student in Bainbridge High School



BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. -- A man entered Bainbridge High School Wednesday, committed an act of voyeurism in the restroom, sexually assaulted a student, then struck an officer with a car while fleeing and sexually assaulted another young person off campus before he was stopped and arrested, police said.

Police Chief Matthew Hamner said that between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. the school was told by a student that a man had come into the restroom and committed voyeurism and then sexually assaulted another student.

As officers arrived, the suspect struck an officer with a car -- the officer was not seriously injured -- but the suspect took off. The police got his license plate number, however, Hamner said.

While police were tracking him, the suspect sexually assaulted another "high school aged student" off-campus, Hamner said. Officers then located his car after about 90 minutes and conducted a PIT maneuver to stop him.

The suspect was arrested and will face at least six charges, mostly felonies, Hamner said.

The suspect's identity was not released. Hamner said the suspect was unfamiliar to Bainbridge Island officers.

In a message to parents, the Bainbridge School District said, in part:

"Around 2:30 p.m., the BISD main campus (including BHS, Commodore, Ordway and the District Office) was put into lockdown due to a suspicious individual. Soon after, all schools were put into lockdown and buses were held.

"There are allegations that the suspicious individual interacted inappropriately with two students on the BHS campus and an additional student in the community. Police apprehended the suspect. He is now in custody and will be charged with multiple felonies.

"Beginning tomorrow, we will reduce the number of unlocked entry points to buildings on the BHS campus. During tomorrow’s BHS student advisory period, staff will review the new safety measures and remind students of the importance of speaking up if something or someone seems suspicious. A police officer from the Bainbridge Island Police Department will also be on campus for the remainder of the week.

"I am extremely thankful for the quick-acting students and staff members who alerted officials about today’s events. We are always grateful for our collaborative partnership with the Bainbridge Island Police Department, but especially so today. We also appreciate police response from neighboring jurisdictions including the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and Poulsbo and Suquamish Police Departments."