By Karl Schweizer
Herald Writer
EVERETT — A stranger beat and raped an 86-year-old woman inside her apartment at about 4 a.m. Thursday, Everett police said.
The woman remains at Providence Everett Medical Center’s Colby campus under observation, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
Police responded to a report of a burglary and sexual assault in the 2700 block of Everett Avenue after the woman called for help. She told investigators she was awakened by her assailant, who struck her repeatedly and then sexually assaulted her, Everett police Sgt. Boyd Bryant said.
She was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for cuts and bruises.
Police processed the scene and recovered undisclosed evidence, Bryant said.
An upstairs neighbor, who gave his name as Jason Baker, said he was awakened by a persistent pager noise that sounded like "a lifeline alarm," a personal safety alarm used mainly by the elderly. He also heard moaning from below. Minutes later, the police arrived, he said.
The victim lived alone and was rarely seen outside her apartment, he said.
"I think it’s sick and wrong, whoever did it," Baker said.
Neighbor Tammy Nelson, who lives behind the victim, said she didn’t hear the attack and doesn’t know the victim. But the crime has made her fearful for her own safety and that of her children.
"I’m ready to move," she said.
The attacker was described as a white male in his late 30s, about 6 feet, 180 to 200 pounds, clean shaven, with dark hair.
Detectives ask anyone with information about the incident to call the police tip line at 257-8450.
Herald Writer Cathy Logg contributed to this report.
You can call Herald Writer Karl Schweizer at 425-339-3452
or send e-mail to schweizer@heraldnet.com.
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