Transient man allegedly rapes woman at Bellingham homeless camp
A transient man reportedly pulled a woman in a homeless camp out of the tent she was sleeping in and sexually assaulted her earlier this month near the Bellingham Pet Smart.
Bellingham police on Sept. 11 booked John David Polk, 33, into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of second-degree rape, and jail records show he is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.
Officers were called at approximately 4:46 p.m. Sept. 11 to a homeless camp on the south side of Pet Smart along Bakerview Road, Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald in an email. Initial reports were that the victim had been found by acquaintances with blood on her clothing.
The victim reported that she was raped by a man named “John,” and that she had been hit over the head and lost consciousness, Murphy said. The victim was taken to the emergency department at St. Joseph hospital for further medical attention and a sexual assault examination.
Officers were able to generate a lineup from the information they received, and Polk was identified as the man who had raped the victim, Murphy reported.
A day later, Polk was spotted in the 4300 block of Meridian Street, Murphy said, but he rode away on his bike when officers told him to stop.
Officers pursued and attempted to use a flexible baton as a non-lethal way to stop him, Murphy said, but Polk continued to ride away.
Polk eventually got off the bike and ran, as officers continued to follow and tell him to stop, Murphy said. Officers deployed a taser, which got Polk to stop and they took him into custody without further incident.
The prosecutor’s office will determine whether to file obstruction charges against Polk, Murphy reported.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
