11-year-old sexually abused after man breaks into family's apartment in Bothel

BOTHELL, Washington — An 11-year-old girl was sexually assaulted after a man broke into a family's home in unincorporated Snohomish County near Bothell early Friday morning.

According to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, the attack occurred just before 2:00 a.m. at the Bailey Farms Apartments, located at 1225 Southeast 183rd Street.

“This does indeed appear to be random,” said sheriff's spokeswoman Courtney O'Keefe. “Random sexual assaults are certainly not common – this is very frightening for our community. We want to identify this suspect immediately and take him into custody.”

Briefing reporters around noon on Friday, O'Keefe said there were no signs of a forced entry into the apartment, suggesting the suspect may have entered through an unlocked door.

According to the sheriff's office, the 11-year-old child woke up to the man sexually abusing her.

Authorities said another child woke up and saw what was happening, and the man fled the apartment.

“This is obviously frightening for the victim and our community,” O'Keefe said.

The Criminal Investigation Department is asking everyone in the area to check their cameras for anything suspicious between 10pm Thursday and 2am Friday.

Neighbors told KOMO News that the area is normally quiet and news of a sexual assault of this nature is unusual.

“It's really surprising, it's very safe here and I've always felt safe,” said Liz Newmarch, who lives nearby. “We're not immune – you have to keep your eyes open.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office tip line at 425-388-3845.