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Bellevue police arrest man for string of assaults, seek more victims

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Bellevue police arrested a man who they say attacked at least four women. They fear he was planning to sexually assault them because of what he said during the attacks.

Armando Najera Lopez, 32, is being held in jail, but investigators fear he could get out.

They also worry there are more victims who have not come forward.

Detectives say at least four women have had to fight off Lopez, who told his victims he was looking for sex.

“He was arrested but we’re afraid if he does get released he could re-offend,” said Major Debbie Christopherson of the Bellevue Police Department.

Bellevue police say three of the attacks happened near Highland Park off Bel-Red Road. The first was on September 24 at 10 p.m.

Detectives say he grabbed a woman and tried to pull her from the pathway. She was able to break free from his grasp and run into the street. They say he followed her and almost got hit by a car. He grabbed her again, and asked for sex multiple times during the assault, according to court documents. To escape, she pulled out a pocketknife and shouted “No, no”, according to detectives.

That’s when he finally ran off and she called 911.

On October 8, police say he attacked two more women around 6:30 in the morning. In each attack, he was wearing a construction vest or jacket.

“He speaks very little English and to give a descriptor, he has small teeth that are spaced apart,” explained Major Christopherson.

Armando Najera Lopez was arrested Oct. 10 and booked into the King County jail. Prosecutors said they didn’t have enough evidence for a felony charge so he was charged with fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

Late Thursday the judge at the SCORE Jail set bail at $200,000, even higher than when he was first arrested for investigation of unlawful imprisonment, a felony.

“He doesn’t have a history here in the United States, so we don’t know what his history is in other countries. Based on his behavior and based on his comments, this is not normal behavior, that’s what causes us fear this will escalate,” said Major Christopherson.

If there are more victims who have not come forward, police say it could help keep Lopez locked up. Bellevue police say if you’re a victim or have any information about this case, call 911.