A 35-year-old Lynden man was arrested Wednesday in connection with the rape and armed robbery of a victim at Little Squalicum Park in Bellingham, following an investigation that relied heavily on community-provided surveillance footage.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the park on August 20 after receiving reports of a sexual assault and robbery on one of the trails. The 48-year-old victim was attacked by a knife-wielding assailant who raped, bit, and robbed them of their wallet before fleeing the scene.
Deputies, drones, and police dogs searched the area but could not locate the suspect initially. However, witnesses provided descriptions of the fleeing attacker, which proved crucial to the investigation.
Major Crimes Division detectives launched an immediate investigation, recovering both the knife and wallet at the crime scene. The sheriff’s office appealed to the public for surveillance footage from the surrounding area during the time of the attack.
The community response was substantial, with dozens of businesses and residents providing surveillance video and other evidence to law enforcement. This cooperation, combined with assistance from Bellingham police and What-Comm 911 dispatchers, helped investigators identify the suspect’s vehicle and develop a person of interest.
After extensive investigation involving witness interviews, surveillance video analysis, and evidence review, detectives established probable cause to arrest the Lynden man on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree robbery, and second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
The suspect was apprehended as he left his home in the 7000 block of Guide Meridian on Wednesday. According to sheriff’s officials, the man admitted to altering his appearance following the crime and acknowledged having a sexual encounter with the victim.
Search warrants executed at his residence and vehicle uncovered clothing worn during the attack and cut hair believed to be from his attempt to change his appearance after the assault.
The case demonstrates the importance of community cooperation in violent crime investigations, with local businesses and residents playing a crucial role in providing evidence that led to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
The incident occurred at Little Squalicum Park, a popular recreation area with walking trails frequented by community members. The attack highlights ongoing concerns about personal safety in public spaces, particularly on secluded trails.
The investigation’s swift resolution within days of the attack reflects coordinated efforts between multiple law enforcement agencies and the community’s willingness to assist with surveillance footage and other evidence.
