Kent Police arrested a 39-year-old Kent man at about 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 for allegedly raping two Kent women.
The rapes were in October 2023 and February 2024, according to an April 24 Kent Police news release.
Detectives started the investigation in October 2023 when the first victim, a vulnerable adult Kent resident, reported being raped by the man in his vehicle, according to police. The man had initially tried to pick up the woman on the side of the road, by offering her a ride. They began to text each other, which led to a meeting sometime later when the man reportedly raped her in his vehicle.
The same man is suspected of a second rape of a vulnerable disabled adult in February 2024. The man offered the woman a ride as she was walking along the street. The woman took him up on the offer and she was allegedly raped in the suspect’s vehicle.
The man, who was unknown to both victims, was identified after DNA reportedly matched him to both cases, according to police. Detectives arrested the man for investigation of second-degree rape and third-degree rape. He was booked into the King County jail.
In both instances, the man reportedly approached the women in his vehicle, a Toyota Prius, and offered food or a ride.
Police are asking other potential victims of rape or sexual assault under similar circumstances to come forward, regardless of the make and model of the suspect vehicle or which city it occurred in. Police also are seeking anyone with information about the incidents.
Email the Kent Police tip line at KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov or call the tip line at 253-856-5808. Refer to case number 24-2581.
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