Neighbors in Tacoma's Browns Point community say they are on edge after a man grabbed a 16-year-old girl from behind while she was walking home from tennis practice around 8 p.m. Thursday. The victim, an international exchange student staying with a host family, was not physically hurt but was left badly shaken, according to those close to her. Residents have been sharing doorbell video of the moments before the attack and say they worry the same man may be tied to other unsettling encounters in the neighborhood.
As reported by FOX 13 Seattle, a neighbor turned over Ring doorbell footage that appears to show a man trailing the teen before he suddenly grabs her from behind. The audio from the doorbell camera captured the suspect saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," as he ran off. The girl's host family told the station the man shoved his face and hands into her backside, and that she managed to scream and break free. Tacoma Police have opened an indecent liberties investigation and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Doorbell footage rattles the block
Neighbor Cameron Morgan shared the clip that appears to show the suspect following the teen down the street, a video that has since ricocheted through local social media and messaging threads. The host father described how terrified she was during and after the encounter. "She was trying to act like she was on some type of video call," the host father told FOX 13 Seattle, saying she hoped that might scare him off. After the family posted details in a neighborhood Facebook group, several other residents said they had experienced similar run-ins and are now sharing videos and information with investigators.
What 'indecent liberties' means
Tacoma Police are classifying the case as an indecent liberties investigation, the charge Washington uses for nonconsensual sexual contact. Under state law, RCW 9A.44.100 defines indecent liberties as knowingly causing another person to have sexual contact, and depending on the circumstances it can be filed as a felony offense. Prosecutors will decide on specific charges after reviewing the evidence and witness statements gathered by detectives.
Neighbors tighten routines and share evidence
The spread of the Ring footage and neighborhood posts has pushed families to rethink their routines, with some avoiding solo walks after dark and coordinating more closely on pickups and drop-offs. Residents say they are compiling video clips, timelines, and suspect descriptions to hand directly to police, and some have contacted local officials to request more patrols in the area. The host family says they are speaking out in hopes that the attention will help identify the suspect and prevent anything similar from happening again.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tacoma Police Department. The city's help page lists the non-emergency line at (253) 287-4455 and reminds residents to call 9-1-1 for emergencies. For more details and additional contact options, see the City of Tacoma help page.
