CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect arrested in North Delridge rape; neighbors gather for support and safety

5:51 PM: Neighbors gathered at the awareness event regarding the North Delridge rape just broke out in applause at this news: SPD tweeted that they’ve arrested a suspect, an 18-year-old man, in Everett. More when we get it.

ADDED 7:42 PM: No additional information yet about the suspect, and SPD tells us they’re not expecting to have anything more to say tonight. Meantime, more than 30 people had gathered at Cottage Grove Park by the time small groups started fanning out into the neighborhood with teal balloons – for sexual-assault awareness – and flyers.

They hoped to reach neighbors who hadn’t yet heard about Monday evening’s attack, but they also wanted to be respectful of the victim’s privacy – they hadn’t spoken with her yet – so the advocacy was relatively low-key. One organizer said that just to see so much community support was heartening,

They shared stories and concerns as they prepared the balloons before heading out, One woman told us she had just been on the SW Graham stairs from High Point minutes before the victim, and apparently her attacker, traveled the same route. She said she’d been followed just months ago and hasn’t “felt safe in the area for a long time.” But she found hope in neighbors talking with each other.

One man circulated a petition with a letter he said he planned to send City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, inviting her to meet with the community on September 10th. He said he’d never seen things so bad in the neighborhood in the 36 years he’d lived there. And while an organizer expressed appreciation that two SPD officers had stopped by, she said the true power will be in neighbors banding together. “What you guys are doing is one of the most important things a community can do.”

22 Replies to "CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect arrested in North Delridge rape; neighbors gather for support and safety"

  • Well that's good news for a change August 19, 2022 (6:14 pm)

    So often, perpetrators are released on bail. How can we make sure this alleged perp is not released pending trial to go on and reoffend? 

    • WSB August 19, 2022 (7:01 pm)

      If he was arrested today, he’ll likely have a bail hearing tomorrow. He’s not on the jail register yet, and SPD has nothing additional to tell us yet (I’ve already had a followup exchange). I don’t know whether the jailhouse courtroom is open to the public these days.

      • August 19, 2022 (10:25 pm)

        I likely will be able to attend if it is still closed to the public and will speak with the victim and her support people tomorrow to ensure her rights are preserved until she connects with her long-term advocate. I’m glad this question was asked and for your response. Did you mean to say he will likely have a bail hearing Monday? I typically work in Snohomish County so any tips on King County/Seattle are appreciated. Feel free to call me if that’s easier. I’m on shift until 6 am and would want to know if the bail hearing will be on a Sunday.  

        • WSB August 20, 2022 (1:34 pm)

          As far as I can tell, they have hearings on Saturdays (for those booked Fridays) but not Sundays. It does not appear he was booked before midnight so Monday would likely be the earliest. I am trying to confirm but might not be able to do that before Monday – if you are in contact with the victim/victim support, they might have better info.

  • M August 19, 2022 (7:35 pm)

    I wonder if this happened late morning / early afternoon by any chance. I was leaving Pegasus and saw a police car speed past (going south) with sirens blaring – the first thing I thought was that I really hope it was related to finding/arresting this rapist. Either way – good news!!

    • WSB August 19, 2022 (7:49 pm)

      I don’t yet have information on the circumstances but generally an officer would not proceed lights and sirens for 30 miles to an arrest scene.

      • M August 19, 2022 (10:00 pm)

        Hah! I completely missed the word “Everett”. That’s what happens when there are two little girls jumping on you while you catch up on news. Silly question!

  • Amy August 19, 2022 (8:20 pm)

    Did the attack happen on or near the stairs? 

    • Neighbor August 19, 2022 (10:37 pm)

      The attacker followed the victim down the Graham Street stairs then north on 26th. The attack took place opposite the substation, under the big overhanging cedar tree (that my kids used to climb) in the empty lot owned by SPU. SPU has pledged to meet with the community. 

      • Amy August 20, 2022 (10:06 am)

        Thank you for the logics details-I run alone in that area and use the stairs often.

  • flimflam August 19, 2022 (8:26 pm)

    Awful. I wonder if herbold will have the guts to answer to the neighbors.

    • Lagartija Nick August 20, 2022 (8:33 am)

      You know what else is awful? Using the tragedy of a sexual assault to score cheap political points.

      • Owen, John August 20, 2022 (9:49 am)

        Stop being apart of the problem. We live in straight lawlessness. The SCC needs to be held accountable at the highest level of the law. Blood is on their hands. 

        • Jake Conner August 20, 2022 (10:44 am)

          Well said ! 

        • Lagartija Nick August 20, 2022 (11:13 am)

          We do not live in “straight (up) lawlessness”, in case you chose not to notice the perpetrator of this horrendous attack was apprehended and will go to prison for his crime.

          Blatant hyperbole aside, exactly how does politicizing this crime help the victim?

          • Peter S. August 20, 2022 (5:19 pm)

             >>  and will go to prison for his crime  <<  We can hope.  Sadly, many do not.  Time will tell how this plays out.  This is now a high-profile crime.  Unfortunately, it may take a long time, which can be very hard on the victim.  

      • Alki resident August 20, 2022 (11:08 am)

        Lisa Herbold is directly responsible for the surge in crime and the lack of law enforcement officers. This isn’t about “cheap points”. She needs to go, for the safety of our entire community here in WS and also for the Greater Seattle Area! 

    • Xuan Chin August 20, 2022 (10:52 am)

      Is there a Description of the man ? I fear he walks around here before police got him . 

  • August 19, 2022 (10:19 pm)

    PSA re: balloons and how to properly compost them. 100% latex balloons (sometimes called biodegradable) must be cut into small pieces and dispersed very, very lightly through your own hot-batch compost pile or your commercial yard waste service and we have volunteers who will collect the balloons again in a few days to ensure they are properly composted. They are super easy and quick to cut so taking this extra step is a breeze! I require the return of balloons every time I make a balloon arch for someone just to ensure the effort is made to dispose of them properly. I personally composted them in a hot-batch twice to be ensured that the method works. Mentioning in advance to alleviate any furrowed brows from furrowing ☺️

  • Concerned Resident August 20, 2022 (10:36 am)

    The organizers mentioned something about a GoFundMe for the victim but details were not shared during the meeting. Does anyone have a link to the GoFundMe? 

    • Laurence August 20, 2022 (9:44 pm)

      We will communicate the GoFundMe as soon as it is set up. Thanks for the support, the victim grateful!

    • Melissa August 21, 2022 (1:02 pm)

      I’m a friend of the victim and we were able to set up the go fund me. I would appreciate it if you can spread the link around. Thank you! https://gofund.me/50794fab

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