Suspect wanted for rape seen in sketch released by Pierce County sheriffs

Pierce County detectives are seeking to identify a suspect wanted in the May rape of a 19-year-old woman in Tacoma.

According to a news release from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) sent to KIRO Newsradio Friday, May 17 at approximately 11:30 a.m., the rape suspect was in the woods next to the Kings Manor senior living center on Portland Ave. E. in Tacoma. The suspect told the victim, a 19-year-old woman who worked at Kings Manor, that he needed help tending to an injured cat and lured her into the woods.

From there, the suspect punched the victim, knocking her down, and sexually assaulted her. After the assault, the suspect ran from the scene and the victim returned to Kings Manor where another employee called 911.

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A county detective made a sketch after interviewing the victim.

As the PCSD explains in its press release, the suspect is described as a black man, aged 55 to 65 years old. He is over 6 feet tall and weighs 300 pounds or more.

He was also seen with “crew-cut” hair with a “noticeable amount” of gray. Additionally, he has a “very wrinkled forehead.” His eyes are described as being distinctly set apart, slanted downward, and small for his face. He also had dark circles under his eyes.

The suspect wore a neck gaiter covering most of the rest of his face.

Finally, PCSD added that the suspect had a “protruding abdomen” and it seemed to affect his gait or the way he walked.

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Anyone who may recognize this person is asked to contact the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. Those interested in responding can also submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-TIPS. The Crime Stoppers app and the new Pierce County Sheriff's app are also options.

RAPE SUSPECT: Black male, 55-65 years old, 6'0″+, 300+ lbs

On May 17, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., the suspect in the photo (sketch) raped a 19-year-old woman in the woods next to King's Manor Senior Living Community, located at 8609 Portland Ave E in Midland. pic.twitter.com/EopnN9mRpF

– Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) June 7, 2024

Steve Coogan is the editor-in-chief of MyNorthwest. You can read more of her stories here. Follow Steve on Xor send him an email here.