MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Police are seeking an unidentified man accused of approaching girls near Mountlake Terrace High School and grabbing them after asking for directions or a hug.
Mountlake Terrace police said they received multiple reports this week along 44th Avenue West, between 212th Street Southwest and the Snohomish-King County line. The high school sits at 21801 44th Avenue West, a corridor students regularly walk.
Officers said the man typically asks young females for directions to a grocery store, then asks for a hug. Earlier contacts reportedly involved no physical contact. On Thursday, police said they received back-to-back reports that he grabbed two girls in intimate areas near the school. A similar report was later linked to Wednesday.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 30s, heavier set, with short buzzed hair. He has been seen wearing a blue shirt and khaki shorts. Police said they have not identified or contacted him and believe he may frequent the area near the school.
School officials have been notified and are warning students. Police urged anyone with information or a similar encounter to call 911. A non-emergency number listed by local news outlets is 425-407-3999. Case numbers cited by police include 26-11179, 26-9811, 26-13431, 26-13886 and 26-13889.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
