Cpl. Nick Briggs, PIO
Monday, October 3, 2022 at 12:17 p.m.
SPD’s Special Victims Unit makes arrest in apparent stranger rape
On 09-26-22, an adult female notified police that she had been sexually assaulted just after 1am while walking her dog in the 100 block of E 1st Ave. She told investigators that the unknown male suspect had approached her, briefly struck up a casual conversation, and then attacked her by tackling her to the ground and raping her. During the attack the victim defended herself, apparently injuring the suspect which caused him to flee.
Officers and detectives observed and collected evidence consistent with the victim’s statement. Investigators quickly began attempting to obtain video footage from the area and identify a suspect.
SPD’s Special Victims Unit (SVU) which specializes in the investigation of sexual assault incidents, was able to identify 18-year-old Ethan Z. Jake as a suspect. On 09-29-22, detectives with the assistance of members of the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), took Jake into custody without incident. A search warrant was served at his residence, and items linking him to the incident were recovered.
Jake was booked into Spokane County Jail for rape 2nd degree, where he remains on $100,000 bond at the writing of this release.
The investigation is on-going.
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Julie Humphreys
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jhumphreys@spokanepolice.org