Bellingham Police Seek Suspect in Rape-Kidnapping

Bellingham, Washington– The Bellingham Police Department is asking the public for assistance in the kidnapping and sexual assault of two young women that took place on the evening of May 27, 2016 in the area of Whatcom Transit Authority on Cordata Parkway.

The suspect approached the two victims and asked for directions to Samish Way.  The two women left with the suspect in his van​. The male suspect restrained the women at knifepoint and drove them to the Lynden and Sumas area in Whatcom County and sexually assaulted them in an unidentified barn.  The male then dropped off the victims in a secluded area of Lynden.

The male is described as a white male in his 30s, approximately 5’06” tall and about 200 lbs., wearing a black shirt and black baseball hat with the New York Yankee logo on it.  The male was driving a green or gray minivan.

The detectives are reviewing similar cases and believe this case may be connected to at least two other cases.

We are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in this case or anyone who may have come in contact with him the night of May 27, 2016. If you recognize the van or loaned a van that looks like the one in the photograph, please contact detectives.

Two videos of the suspect have also been published on the BPD YouTube channel:

• https://youtu.be/W5i1QhuDRB8
• https://youtu.be/cMh_AQxe96M ​

We would like to remind people to be aware of their surroundings. If you are asked by a suspicious person or stranger to assist them with directions, do not get into their vehicle to help them. Let family and friends know where you will be and your expected time home. Do not get separated from friends.

If you have any tips or information that you feel detectives should know, please call Detective Darla Wagner at 360-778-8767 or Detective Dan Kelsh 360-778-8690 or report it to the City’s website tip line at  www.cob.org/tips​.​