Man accused of sexual assault at Bellingham park

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Bellingham man has been charged with forcing a woman to perform a sexual act on him at a homeless campsite in a Bellingham park.

the 46-year-old suspect is facing rape and assault charges.

Court documents say a woman reported she had been drinking and smoking methamphetamine with the suspect on Aug. 4 before the alleged incident occurred.

She says she told someone nearby to call the police and was taken to a hospital for a sex crime exam.

Police said they found the woman with bruises on her face and marks on her neck.

The incident comes after police asked for the public's help in identifying two rape suspects connected to a similar assault in the park in June. Only one has been arrested.

Associated Press