CRIME BLOTTER

Mountlake Terrace police arrest man accused of unsolicited contact with women, girls in at least 12 incidents

Sep 17, 2026, 10:22 AM

Mountlake terrace arrest...

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

The Mountlake Terrace Police Department (MTPD) arrested a man Thursday who was accused of at least 12 instances in which he allegedly approached juvenile and adult women and initiated unsolicited contact.

Since May 2026, the department has received several reports involving a bald white or Hispanic man in his 30s to 40s approaching the women, MTPD Commander Scott King announced in a press release.

Incidents escalated to include unwanted touching before officers made an arrest

MTPD noted that the encounters escalated over the past two weeks and included unwanted touching, which prompted increased law enforcement patrols and investigative efforts.

On Wednesday, officers arrested a suspect for multiple assaults with sexual motivation and booked him into the Snohomish County Jail.

The department stated that detectives will continue to review all related reports to determine any additional connections.

“The Mountlake Terrace Police Department recognizes and commends the hard work, vigilance, and dedication of our patrol officers and investigators,” Commander King wrote. “Their commitment to rapid response, thorough casework, and community protection directly led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.”

MTPD urged anyone with additional information related to the incidents to contact the department’s non-emergency line at (425) 407-3999.

“With this arrest, the immediate threat to the community has been mitigated,” MTPD stated.

Mountlake Terrace police search for man accused of touching two girls near high school

Days before the arrest, officers warned the public about a man who inappropriately grabbed two girls near Mountlake Terrace High School.

Officers said that the man would allegedly approach the young girls, ask for directions to a grocery store, and then request a hug, according to KIRO 7.

At the time, MTPD warned the high school and its students to be aware of the activity in the area.

Many of the reported incidents occurred along 44th Avenue, stretching from 212th Street to the county line.

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Mountlake Terrace police arrest man accused of unsolicited contact with women, girls in at least 12 incidents