Sheriff's office in search of alleged rape suspect

Kitsap County Sheriff's detectives and deputies are searching for the man suspected of raping a 41-year-old Chico woman Monday afternoon.

As of press time Monday evening, the suspect had not been located. Deputies responded to the woman's home just after 12:30 p.m. following a 911 call of a forcible rape. The woman reported she was home alone when the man entered her residence, in the 2100 block of Chico Way NW, through an unlocked door and assaulted her. The woman was transported by Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue to Harrison Medical Center Bremerton, for evaluation and treatment.

The suspect had not been identified as of press time. The woman described her attacker as a male, unknown race or age; between about 5 feet 10 inches - 6 feet tall, medium build, wearing a flannel shirt and blue jeans. The victim reported that her assailant had a “pot belly” and that he was armed with a handgun. Facts about the direction of travel of the suspect, after leaving the victim’s residence, or a vehicle description, are not yet known.

Patrol deputies, assisted by officers from the Bremerton Police Department and troopers from the Washington State Patrol, set containment in the general area of the victim’s residence while a K-9 track was initiated. The track was inconclusive.

Sheriff’s detectives continue with their investigation, interviewing neighbors and examining the scene of the attack for evidence.

Persons with information about this crime are asked to contact Detective Mike Rodrigue at (360) 337- 4479. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-CRIME-13.

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