Deputies searching for suspect after woman assaulted in Edmonds park



EDMONDS, Wash. -- Authorities are searching for a man who police say assaulted a woman Wednesday morning on a park trail in Edmonds.

According to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, a man assaulted a woman who was walking on a trail at Meadowdale County Park just before 9:00 a.m.

Deputies say the victim called 911 and told investigators she was grabbed off the trail and pulled into a wooded area where she was sexually assaulted.

“She was just walking the trail, she was by herself and there are not witnesses to the attack, said Courtney O’Keefe from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said the 33-year-old woman suffered minor injuries.

Authorities searched for the suspect using air support and multiple K9 units for several hours on Wednesday. Public access to the park was closed while investigators searched for clues.

“I’m concerned because I really actually wanted to start walking down the trail by myself but I haven’t done it,” said Leanne Irwin who lives near the park.

Irwin and her neighbors were told to shelter in place by deputies while they searched the neighborhood for a track with a canine officer.

Police urged anyone who ventured out jogging or walking, no matter their location, to use the buddy system if possible and not go places alone. They also suggested for those who do venture out in public to tell someone before-hand their intended travel plans and when they are expected to return.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 30s, wearing a dark hoodie with a scarf around his neck and wearing a baseball cap. Deputies said the suspect had a knife.

Anyone with information about the attack or assailant is urged to call 911.