Mountlake Terrace police have not identified or contacted a man described as being in his 30s, with a heavier build and short buzzed hair, after two girls reported separate encounters near 44th Avenue West in which he allegedly grabbed them in intimate areas.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, the man has typically worn a blue shirt and khaki shorts and has approached girls by asking for a hug or directions to a grocery store. The station reported that police believe he may frequent the area near Mountlake Terrace High School. A similar encounter was reported the day before the two reported touching incidents.
A Corridor Students Walk Every Day
The reported encounters are clustered along 44th Avenue West between 212th Street Southwest and the Snohomish-King county line. Mountlake Terrace High School is located at 21801 44th Avenue West and serves students in grades 9 through 12. FOX 13 reported that the school planned to inform students about the situation.
The reported pattern includes approaches involving requests for a hug or directions, followed by allegations of unwanted physical contact. Police have not publicly identified the man.
District Safety Reporting
According to the Edmonds School District, students, staff, parents and community members can report safety concerns through Safe Schools Alert by phone, text, email or an online form.
A Recurring Concern Along 44th Avenue
The reports have prompted attention to safety for students and other pedestrians using 44th Avenue West near the high school.
How to Report Information
Anyone who recognizes the description or has information about the encounters should contact police rather than approaching the man.
Mountlake Terrace Police are encouraging anyone with information to call 911 immediately, FOX 13 Seattle reports. The incidents were reported along the corridor near Mountlake Terrace High School.
