North Sound News

Photo of person of interest released in Mount Vernon student gropings

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — The Mount Vernon Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man they say is a person of interest in the groping of two Mount Vernon High School students as they walked to campus.

In each case, a female student was grabbed on the buttocks by a man as they entered the school campus from the area of 15th and Highland Streets. Both victims were walking alone at the time.

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According to school officials, the incidents happened in the morning before the first bell.

The first reported case occurred on Oct. 13 at about 7:55 a.m.  After that case was reported, a second student came forward and reported a similar assault that occurred on Sept. 25 at about 8 a.m.

"I was a little surprised because we never had an instance like this with an adult approaching our students. It scared me, of course,” said Principal Rod Merrell.

Merrell asked parents to talk to their kids about safety precautions and that students walk to and from campus in pairs or groups.

"When I hear this, and it's getting closer to fall, getting darker earlier, I was concerned,” said Merrell.

The school is also working with Mount Vernon police to conduct extra patrols near the high school and surrounding areas.

The suspect in both cases is described as a light-skinned, most likely white man, in his late teens or early 20s, with a slim build and about 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mount Vernon Police:

  • 360- 336-6271         Mount Vernon Police Department
  • 360- 428-3211         24-hour police dispatch
  • Crime Tips              www.mountvernonwa.gov/crimetip

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