Man arrested after apparent rape attempt on beach in Woodway

Published 9:25 am Monday, June 27, 2016

WOODWAY – A man was arrested in Woodway on Sunday after he allegedly attacked a woman on the beach and attempted to sexually assault her.

Investigators believe the man was a stranger to the woman, Woodway Police Chief Doug Hansen said. The woman was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, he said.

The incident started about 5:30 p.m. on the Woodway waterfront, about a quarter-mile south of the Edmonds dog park.

The man ran toward the woman, punched her in the face and knocked her down, Hansen said. He continued hitting her in the head and may have used a rock as a weapon. He also made sexual comments.

At one point, he began to choke her, Hansen said. He then threatened to drag her into the water and drown her.

“At this time the tide was coming in and the threat of drowning became very real,” Hansen said.

Two people walking in the area heard the woman screaming. As they approached, they saw the man run away.

A police dog found and bit the suspect. The man was arrested and taken to the hospital for medical treatment. He was described as being in his 60s and “well known to local law enforcement,” Hansen said.

“Based upon the statements made by the suspect, officers believed he was making a very strong effort to sexually assault the victim,” Hansen said.

No additional information was available as of 9:55 p.m. Sunday.