Suspect in rape of 80-year-old woman arrested

SEATTLE - Police arrested a suspect tied to the rape and robbery of an 80-year-old woman Wednesday in the International District.

Police said the unidentified man watched the elderly woman walk up to her apartment building in the 200 block of 6th Avenue South when he pulled a knife. He then punched her to the floor, forcibly held her down and raped and assaulted her before taking off.

The suspect's identity has not yet been released. But hopefully, the arrest calms some of the fear rippling through the International District following the horrendous incident.

"I think it`s crazy. To me it doesn't seem like an unsafe neighborhood. I walk here all times of night and the biggest scare for me is raccoons,” neighbor Haregu Kidane said.

It happened in the International Terrace Apartments at 202 6th Ave. S.

“Yeah definitely probably walking with people and the time and things and just being really aware of surroundings,” Kidane said.

The woman was taken to the hospital but is expected to be OK.

As for the suspect police believe he is responsible for Wednesday's attack as well as a strong arm robbery at the same building last Friday.

“Here he is five days later and obviously escalated what he had done on Friday again all the more reason for our concern.  We want him in custody as soon as possible,” Seattle police spokesman Jeff Kappel said.

The woman couldn't really give police a good description of the man so we don't know his race, but he's about six feet tall, weighs about 165 pounds with dark hair. He was last seen wearing a light colored tank top with black pants and a large necklace and a black backpack.