The Bellingham Police Department has circulated a sketch of a suspect involved in the assault of a female jogger at Lake Padden Park on the morning of June 22. According to KOMO News, the suspect is characterized as an average-to-fit white male in his 30s, with a height ranging from about 5'8" to 5'10" and noted for his distinct receded hairline. Witnesses report he may have donned blue jeans and a gray shirt on the day of the attack.
The assault took place while the woman was jogging on a trail on Lake Padden's Southeast side. The victim, who received multiple punches to the face, was aided by two people who heard her screams and possibly scared off the attacker, as detailed by a Bellingham Herald report. The attacker, last seen fleeing down a hill toward Interstate 5, remains at large.
Police have faced scrutiny for their delayed reporting of the incident, which wasn't publicized until two days afterward. According to a Cascadia Daily account, alongside an apology, the department conceded their communication fault and is committing to an internal review to enhance community engagement and public notification strategies.
Witness information and a refusal to release the police report have spurred public concern. Megan Peters, a spokesperson for BPD, told Cascadia Daily, that specifics would be available if court documents are filed. While a search with police K9 teams yielded no findings, investigators are still actively pursuing leads and have conducted extra patrols in the response area. Peters underscored this incident as an aberration in an otherwise safe recreational area.
Bellingham residents have expressed varied reactions. The attack hasn't swayed local couple Karen and Neal Trevorrow's sense of security, who shared with Cascadia Daily their intention to continue frequent walks around the lake, despite the assault. Anyone with pertinent information regarding the attack is encouraged to come forward, reaching out to the Bellingham Police Department at 360-778-8611 or through their online tips page at www.cob.org/tips, referring to case number 24B35293.
