Voyeurism suspect wore dark clothing and a tiger mask

Bellingham Police are investigating an incident of voyeurism in the York neighborhood, at least the eighth possibly related occurrence this year.

Residents in the 300 block of Gladstone Street called 911 at 4:53 am. Friday, saying a man wearing a mask was masturbating outside their window, said police Lt. Bob Vander Yacht. The residents were awakened by someone knocking on their window, he added.

“He knocked on the window a couple more times to assure that the victim could see what he was doing,” Vander Yacht said. “Police were called within a short time period and a K9 track (police dog) was not successful.”

Vander Yacht said the residents described the suspect as a young, short and thin white man with short hair. He was wearing dark-colored T-shirt and pants. He covered his face with a plastic black-and-white tiger mask.

“At this point the behavior of this suspect will be compared to other incidents that have occurred in the greater area south of this house,” Vander Yacht said. “We certainly are interested in any leads or tips that will assist us in locating this individual.”

At least seven other similar incidents have been reported this year, including five near Western Washington University. Police have increased patrols in neighborhoods surrounding the university.

Tips can be sent to Detective Sue Howell at 360-778-8682; anonymously at 360-778-8611, or online, cob.org/tips.

This story was originally published October 13, 2017 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Voyeurism suspect wore dark clothing and a tiger mask."