A 12-year-old girl in Silverdale broke free from a man who grabbed her shoulder and told her she was “coming with me” on Monday, then used a photo she snapped while running away to help lead deputies to his door. Kitsap County sheriff’s deputies arrested 20-year-old active-duty U.S. Marine Timothy N. Caldwell two days later at a Silverdale apartment complex, less than a half-mile from his home.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, authorities say Caldwell approached the girl near Ridgetop Boulevard Northwest and Northwest Ambercrest Way and initially asked her for directions. Investigators reported that he then grabbed her shoulder and placed his other hand on her back, telling her, according to court documents, “something to the effect of you’re coming with me or come on.”
Girl’s Photo Becomes Key Evidence
The girl managed to escape and run away, and as she fled, she photographed the suspect from behind. Her father later posted that photograph to Facebook, the station’s report notes, and an anonymous Facebook user messaged him identifying the apartment complex in Silverdale where Caldwell lived.
Deputies went to that complex on Wednesday, November 4, where they arrested Caldwell and confirmed he matched the appearance of the person photographed by the victim. Caldwell reportedly told investigators his “best guess is that Facebook post” led deputies to him, per the same account, before invoking his right to an attorney.
Charges and Military Involvement
Caldwell faces charges of attempted second-degree kidnapping and assault, the outlet reports. Because he is an active-duty Marine, the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office forwarded its investigation and reports to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Bail figures for Caldwell differ between outlets. FOX 13 Seattle reports he remains jailed in the Kitsap County Jail on $350,000 bail, while a Kitsap Sun account lists his bail at $150,000. Authorities have not confirmed whether Caldwell entered a guilty or not guilty plea at his initial court appearance on Thursday.
