Press Release
June 3, 2009

MOUNT VERNON POLICE DEPARTMENT

On Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at approximately 8:44pm a woman was walking westbound on College Way in the vicinity of Skagit Highlands Parkway.   A male subject driving a smaller, dark colored vehicle pulled up and pointed a handgun at her.  He ordered her to get into the car.  The women turned and ran.  The suspect initially pursued however she began screaming and waiving her arms attempting to flag down passing motorists.

Several stopped to see what was happening which caused the suspect to flee in his vehicle eastbound towards Highway 9.

At about 9:14pm, the Skagit County Sheriff's Office was called to the area of Gunderson Road and Larsen Lane for a similar incident.  A woman was walking when she passed a smaller, dark colored vehicle parked along the side of the road.  As she passed, the suspect pulled forward, pointed a gun and ordered her to the car.  She began to yell loudly and run towards nearby houses.  A neighbor heard the commotion which caused the suspect to flee the area.

Deputies had obtained a partial license plate and description from the victim.  At approximately 10:41pm, a deputy observed a vehicle matching the description near Sedro Woolley.  He stopped the car and found the driver and vehicle matched the two earlier incidents. 

An 18 yoa Mount Vernon man was taken into custody for investigation of Assault First Degree and Attempted Kidnapping First Degree.

Detectives from Mount Vernon Police Department and Skagit County Sheriff's Office are working jointly to investigate these incidents.  In addition, they will be reviewing case reports to see if similar incidents have occurred involving this individual.

If you've witnessed or experienced a similar situation, you are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division of either Mount Vernon Police Department at (360) 336-6272 or the Skagit County Sheriff's Office at  (360)   336-9450

Lieutenant Chris Cammock
MVPD Case #09-M08980
SCSO Case #09-7571
(360) 336-6271