Whatcom County authorities arrest suspect in Bellingham park sexual assault
Whatcom County authorities have arrested a suspect as part of an investigation of a sexual assault that was reported Aug. 20 at Little Squalicum Park in Bellingham.
The suspect allegedly raped and robbed 48-year-old person, who told law enforcement officers the suspect had been armed with a knife, according to a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office news release issued Wednesday. WCSO Major Crimes Division immediately launched an investigation after the attack was reported.
The suspect is a 35-year-old Lynden man. He was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 27 near the 7000 block of Guide Meridian by sheriff’s deputies, with help from the Lynden Police Department. The
Law enforcement did not immediately find the suspect after the incident was reported Aug. 20, despite a large response involving multiple WCSO vehicles, drones and K-9 units.
WCSO asked for any surveillance footage from the public the day of the incident. Footage helped authorities identify the suspect’s vehicle and identity, according to the news release.
The suspect was arrested without incident outside his residence near Wiser Lake after law enforcement saw him leave, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He made his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon in Bellingham. The alleged victim, a female, spoke during the hearing. The suspect is being held without bail at the Whatcom County Jail.
Authorities said the suspect admitted to having a sexual encounter with the victim.
He has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree rape and first-degree robbery, as well as second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
“This heinous crime profoundly affects the victim and the victim’s family and shakes the community,” Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley said in Wednesday’s news release. “We are proud of the work of our detectives in their dedication to solving this case and helping to bring justice and safety to the community. We also thank the agencies, businesses and residents who provided valuable information which led to the identification of the suspect.”
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation in ongoing.
Editor’s note (Aug. 29): This article was updated to correct the victim’s age and to clarify that The Herald learned the victim’s gender in court. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office did not announce the victim’s gender.
This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 10:15 AM.
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