EDMONDS — An Edmonds man was arrested in October on suspicion of inappropriately touching children at the Frances Anderson Center, police said Monday.
Investigators alleged the man, 36, approached the children in the hallway after their dance class, according to police.
The announcement of the man’s arrest comes two months after police booked him into the Snohomish County Jail.
“Edmonds PD acknowledges a delay from the time the original incident happened before this release was provided to the community,” Edmonds police Cmdr. Josh McClure wrote. “We have been responsive and in ongoing communication with the Edmonds School District and other community stakeholders to document concerns and take investigative action.”
City spokesperson Kelsey Foster declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation. It is unclear if any safety precautions or regulations have been implemented at the community center since the arrest.
On Oct. 9, the suspect “lingered” outside a youth ballet class and began stalking the child as they were released into the hallway, according to police. The man followed her into a dressing room and assaulted her, police said.
Security footage then showed the man approaching a group of dance students in the hallway, according to police. He bent down next to one of the students’ feet as if he were sniffing them.
Over a week later, the man returned to the community center, where an employee recognized him, according to police. Officers responded and arrested him for investigation of fourth-degree assault with a sexual motivation. The man reportedly declined to speak with investigators.
He spent one day in behind bars before a municipal court judge dismissed the charges without prejudice, jail records indicate. Prosecutors can still file charges against the suspect in the future.
The investigation remained active this week. Detectives encouraged community members who have experienced similar interactions to call 911 or their non-emergency number at 425-407-3999.
Maya Tizon: 425-339-3434; maya.tizon@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @mayatizon.
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