Rape, assault suspect arrested in Monroe

Published 9:33 pm Wednesday, September 28, 2011

MONROE — A 53-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a rape, robbery and assault that was reported in Monroe.

Just before noon, a 50-year-old-woman told officers she had been punched, strangled and sexually assaulted, Monroe police spokeswoman Debbie Willis said. The woman had obvious trauma to her face and neck.

The woman told police she had known the attacker for a couple of weeks.

She told police the attack took place in a parking garage in the 19600 block of U.S. 2 in Monroe, Willis said. The victim was taken to a local hospital. Her injuries weren’t believed to be life-threatening.

About 1:30 p.m., someone called 911 to report a fight near the Lewis Street Bridge, Willis said. Police who responded found a man nearby matching the description of the attacker. They obtained a search warrant for his body and clothing.

The man was booked into Snohomish County Jail for investigation of first-degree rape, second-degree assault and robbery.