Police arrest Tacoma daycare attack suspect

Tacoma police have arrested a man they believe beat and sexually assaulted a woman as she arrived for work at a child daycare in Tacoma on Monday.

Andrake Dion Morris, 18, was taken into custody Monday night at his home in Tacoma. Police believe he is responsible for other violent, sexual crimes as well, according to police spokeswoman Loretta Cool.

“Any other jurisdictions or agencies that have any information on unsolved crimes that have sexual overtones, maybe violence was used, maybe not but maybe predatory in nature, we would appreciate any assistance,” Cool said.

The man was waiting outside the Tender Heart Learning Center about 6:40 a.m. Monday when the worker arrived. He asked about enrolling a child, so the worker let him inside.

The attack was interrupted by another employee arriving for work. The attacker fled on foot.

Police were able to use the suspect description and evidence gathered at the scene to match him up with a criminal database, Cool said.

“Based on other like possibilities, we were able to narrow the field down until we were able to direct our efforts at this man,” she said.

He was described as five-feet-six inches tall with a narrow face and short Afro hair cut.

Morris was placed on 72-hour hold while prosecutors prepare to file charges against hi. He’s being held on $1 million bail.

The Associated Press contributed to this report