Posted: April 16, 2008 3:33:07 PM PDT
On March 2, 2008, Bellingham Police Department responded to the 2300 Block of Squalicum Parkway for a female who was reporting that a serious assault had occurred on a trail by Little Squalicum Park. The female was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital, where she later disclosed that she had been violently sexually assaulted.
As the result of an extensive investigation, Bellingham Police Department officials have determined that the assault did not occur as reported.
"We have poured all of our resources into this case. Through our extensive and thorough investigation we have determined that the crime did not occur as reported," Bellingham Police Chief Todd Ramsay said.
Ramsay said the individual who reported this incident was taken into protective custody on Wednesday 4/16/08.
"We believe this individual has significant needs. Our work has turned from a criminal investigation to partnering with community agencies to provide support to address those needs," he said.
"There has been a tremendous outpouring of concern from the community regarding this incident, and we share the community's concern about the seriousness of sexual assault. We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent, investigate and assist victims of sexual crimes in our community." Ramsay said.
Chief Ramsay said his department's determination that this incident did not occur as reported is based on several key factors:
The crime was reported to have occurred on the trail off Little Squalicum Park. The victim reported that she was jogging when she was attacked from behind and a bag placed over her head prior to being sexually assaulted. She said she was carried to a vehicle and driven to the 2300 block of Squalicum Parkway where she was dumped on the side of the road. A passerby found her and contacted medical aid.
Police officers gathered information from the victim at the hospital, including her description of the route she ran and the approximate location of the assault. Numerous officers, crime scene investigators, Police Explorers and Police K-9 units performed extensive searches of the entire area. Officers found no evidence that a crime had occurred.
During the subsequent week, search and rescue experts with dogs from Whatcom and Skagit counties conducted a grid search of Little Squalicum Park and the surrounding trails and were also unable to locate evidence of this crime.
Ramsay said three dogs, independent of each other, were able to track her scent but were unable to confirm her jogging route, and in fact revealed a markedly different route. This information raised serious concerns for detectives investigating the case, as she had stated she was on a long run when she was assaulted and then dumped on the side of the road. The dog tracks indicated that her report was not consistent with what was found.
Also of concern were the medical records from St. Joseph's Hospital, which indicated that her injuries were minor and superficial in nature and did not match the violent attack that she was reporting. Due to Federal privacy laws the medical history is protected.
Physical evidence gathered, including the bag that was found on her head and forensic medical evidence, was sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab in Marysville. The results of the tests performed on these items showed no DNA other than that of the individual who reported this incident.
Based on the results of this evidence, and consultation with various outside experts, Ramsay said his department concluded that this crime did not occur as reported.
"A sexual assault is one of the most horrific crimes that can occur to a person and a community," Ramsay said. "We have dedicated an entire unit, and we partner with a number of other agencies, to address domestic violence and sexual crimes in our community. Our diligence in preventing, investigating and assisting victims of these crimes will never waiver."
"Despite the results of this incident, the fact remains that sexual assault is a serious crime that affects us all," said Karen Burke, executive director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County. "We encourage the community to continue to show support to our neighbors, family and friends who are survivors of this deeply violating crime."
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Media Contact:
Deputy Chief Flo Simon
Bellingham Police Department
778-8603
fsimon@cob.org
