Investigators seeking information in child sex abuse case

Police in Washington and Oregon are seeking information in a child sex abuse case involving an Oregon man and a 13-year-old girl from King County.

Hillsboro, Ore., man Christopher Thomas Knox, 37, was arrested late Friday after he requested help from the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office when his rental car became stuck in the snow.

When deputies arrived, Knox was with a 13-year-old girl whom he first introduced as his daughter, according to officers, but deputies at the scene determined the two were not related and that she had left her home without her parents’ permission or knowledge.

Investigators said they also determined that Knox had sexually abused the girl near her home in King County before bringing her to Oregon.

The girl was transported to a local hospital where she was examined and later taken back to her parents.

Knox was booked into the Clatsop County Jail on Saturday for investigation of attempted rape and custodial interference.

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Investigators said they believe Knox may have sexually abused the girl on the evening of Friday, Feb. 15, while stopped at a state park or rest area somewhere between Tacoma and Astoria, Ore. They are seeking information in the case and are looking for anyone who may have seen Knox, his vehicle, the girl or both of them that day or evening.

Police say the suspected abuse would have occurred after 3 p.m.   Knox was driving a black 2018 Dodge Journey with California license plates.

Police said it is also believed Knox and the teen may have been seen outside the Dodge while wrapped in a blanket for warmth, and it may have been foggy at the time and location.

Anyone who saw the vehicle, suspect or the girl is asked to contact Detective Ryan Humphrey at the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, 503-338-3633 or by email at rhumphrey@co.clatsop.or.us.

A joint investigation is being conducted by the Clatsop County, Ore., Sheriff's Office, Hillsboro Ore., Police Department, Pacific, Wash., Police Department, and King County, Wash. Coalition of Small Police Agencies Major Crimes Task Force.

Cox Media Group