Edmonds man caught lurking on school grounds after arrest for grabbing child

EDMONDS, Wash. - An Edmonds man arrested after allegedly following young dancers at a ballet class and sniffing their feet is now back on the streets. 

Officers began their investigation into the 36-year-old in October when it was reported that the man approached and lingered among a youth ballet class that had just let out. He allegedly followed a young girl into a dressing room, closed the door behind him and touched her, according to police. 

That same day, he was also seen approaching a group of young dancers who were waiting in the hallway and kneeling on the ground. He allegedly "dropped to his knees and put his face down next to one of the juvenile’s feet as if sniffing them," police said.

Police looked at surveillance footage and developed probable cause to arrest the man for fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation and unlawful imprisonment.

About two weeks later, he allegedly returned to the same dance center and was recognized by employees. Police were called and responded within minutes, arresting the suspect outside of a classroom area.

The man was booked into Snohomish County Jail. Edmonds Police Commander Josh McClure believed there was enough evidence to charge the suspect with a felony, but the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office determined otherwise. The man now faces only a misdemeanor and was released from jail.

"It wasn’t graphic, but it was creepy," said McClure. "The behavior in and of itself is alarming."

Within the last 10 days, the same suspect started appearing at local schools. Surveillance footage caught him on camera inside the Edmonds Heights School. Assistant Superintendent Greg Schwab shared he was spotted sitting at a table in the library.

"We were able to very quickly issue a criminal trespass to this individual," said Schwab. "We have since taken the step of circulating this individual’s photo with all our school community."

Detectives are continuing their investigation. They want to speak with anyone they believe may have had a similar interaction at or near the Frances Anderson Center and did not report it. You can contact Edmonds Police at 425-407-3999 and reference case (23-21633).