Police warn about rape suspect

Police warn women on North Whidbey to be wary of any man without a police uniform who identifies himself as a member of law enforcement.

“Police say a man posing as a law enforcement officer faked his way into a woman’s Oak Harbor Street apartment, handcuffed and attempted to rape her early Tuesday morning.Oak Harbor Detective Jerry Baker said police are warning women on North Whidbey to be wary of any man without a police uniform who identifies himself as a member of law enforcement.Don’t open the door until you confirm who they are, Baker said, adding that a real police officer will give a phone number to confirm his identify. Don’t always believe what you see.In the recent case, the woman said that the man came to the door of her apartment in the Forest Meadow apartment complex and told her that he was an agent with NCIS, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.He showed her a badge, which Baker describes as a standard emblem badge. After she let him in the apartment, the man handcuffed and blindfolded her, then attempted to rape her.Before he left, the man wrapped the woman’s hands and ankles in tape. The ordeal lasted about 20 minutes, immediately after which the woman called 911.If found, the man could face kidnapping, burglary and attempted rape charges.The suspect is described as a while male, somewhere between five-foot-seven and six-foot, about 25 to 27 years old, with light brown, medium-length hair. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans at the time of the assault.Anyone with any information should call the police department at 679-5551 or call 911.”