Man arrested for breaking into Bothell home and sexually abusing 11-year-old child

BOTHELL, Washington — A 23-year-old Bothell man was arrested Monday in Snohomish in connection with a burglary and sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl last week.

The 23-year-old Bothell man was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary and second-degree child abuse, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. The SCSO said the suspect and victim do not know each other, and the 23-year-old is expected to be booked into the Snohomish County Jail.

The SCSO said the investigation is still ongoing.

SEE ALSO: 11-year-old sexually assaulted after man breaks into family's Bothell home

According to SCSO, the attack occurred just before 2:00 a.m. on September 6 at the Bailey Farms Apartments at 1225 183rd St Southeast.

“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 Sept. 6, O'Keefe said there were no signs of 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 assaulting her.

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

“This is obviously scary for the victim and our community,” O'Keefe said. Investigators are asking neighbors to check their cameras for anything suspicious between 10 p.m. Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday.

Neighbors told KOMO News 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.