Crime Watch: Any idea who this guy is?

Seattle Police just put out a citywide call for public help in identifying the man shown in the sketch at left. The news release says: “On September 25th 2008, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the below-described suspect sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl in the yard of her home in the 2200 block of Northeast 143rd Street. The suspect is described as a white male, 55-60 years old, 5’07-5’10 very skinny build. Hair/beard possibly blondish/gray. Last seen wearing, a navy blue knit cap (recovered at scene). Gray hooded sweatshirt. Dark jeans. Alcohol on breath, dirty. Knife or sharp object in pocket of sweatshirt. ‘Holes’ on forehead/cheeks. (Possibly pock marks, large pores or bumps) Light scar below right eye. Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call the Seattle Police Sexual Assault Unit at 206-684-5573.”

mellaw6565 October 3, 2008 (12:40 pm)

What a terrible experience for that young girl. The picture is pretty specific – hope they catch him.

One question thought – why was this 12 y/o girl outside at 11pm? And where were her parents? It is so important in today’s times that parents remain vigilant over their kids at all times – even in their own homes! Polly Klaas is a reminder for that.

WSB October 3, 2008 (12:46 pm)

Haven’t found a lot of coverage. But she was in the yard – could have been for just a minute. Some kids stay up late (mine, now 12, way later than 11 pm); have no idea if she went out to get something, maybe feed a pet, who knows, could have just been a minute. I have been a ‘helicopter parent’ for Junior Member of Team’s entire life but there have still been moments here and there when he was briefly out of sight – TR

J October 3, 2008 (1:11 pm)

A 12 year old in her own yard at 11pm is not neglectful parenting. Place the blame for this where it belongs, on the sicko who did this to her. I hope they find him soon and get him off the street before he does this to someone else. This girl is in my prayers.

flowerpetal October 3, 2008 (1:50 pm)

This girl was in her backyard working on a star gazing science project for school. What a horrible event for her; and for her father who interupted what would have been even worse.
I hope she gets all of the help she needs.

TheHouse October 3, 2008 (1:53 pm)

I just Googled the general address and it seems like this occurred in the Northgate area. What’s the link to WS?

WSB October 3, 2008 (2:15 pm)

Line 1, “citywide call for help.” In other words, asking everybody around the city to be on the lookout. This is the first time in my nearly a year of WSB dealings with SPD that I’ve received this kind of news release, so there’s no question we’d publish it.

Aim October 3, 2008 (2:16 pm)

House: it’s a citywide request. WS is part of greater Seattle, despite what the geniuses at The Stranger think. :)

That poor girl. My thoughts are with her and her family that she is able to get any services she needs, and be a survivor.

Traci October 3, 2008 (3:22 pm)

J is right. When I was 12, I played outside in my yard every evening. This isn’t about neglectful parenting.

I always wonder how the victims remember details about appearance. I can hardly remember what color someone’s wearing, let alone “light scars” and such. It’s great that they can provide these details.