Bothell peeping Tom seen spying on women in library bathroom

BOTHELL, Wash. — Bothell police are looking for a peeping Tom they said tried to take pictures of a mother and daughter in a library bathroom.

The incident occurred at the King County Library Bothell Branch at 18215 98^th Ave. NE.

Police said the woman was in the restroom with her young daughter April 2 when a man walked in with a cellphone and tried to take pictures through the stall door hinges.

She alerted the staff and several people tried to chase the man but he disappeared.

Two days later, a library staff member said she saw the same man walk into the women’s restroom again.  She confronted him, but he ran off again.

"I just think it's disgusting, because it's a place where you feel you have privacy," said Bonnie Plottner, who brings her two daughters to the library. "I won't be able to let them go to the bathroom by themselves.  I'll have to keep an eye out all the time."

Witnesses have only been able to give police a vague description of the man.  He’s described as Asian or Hispanic, 25-35 years old, 5 foot 6 inches to 6 feet fall with a medium build and a dark complexion.

Police asked anyone who may come into contact with the man or others engaged in similar behavior to call 911.

"I have always felt safe here.  I walk around at night, so to me this is a complete shock," said Amelia Marshall.

Police encourage adults who frequent the library with children to accompany them to the restroom, but parents were already on alert at the library.  In 2010, a man was arrested on charges of fondling two 7-year-old girls in a reading area while their parents were nearby.

"Our staff are walking through the building. They're checking the restrooms frequently throughout the day,” said King County Library Director Bill Ptacek.  “Unfortunately, some of these folks get a charge out of doing things in a public place."

Bothell police Detective Ken Seuberlich said the voyeur may not be scared off for good.

"I think there's a better chance than not he could try this again -- if not this library, another library or another restroom location,” said Seuberlich.

Any reports of unusual behavior, such as adults of the opposite sex entering the bathroom, should be reported to the police and staff at the Bothell Library, police said.

Any information regarding similar incidents with man described in the incidents can be forwarded to the Bothell Police Tip Line at 425-487-5551.

KIRO