LIBERTY LAKE – On June 1 a woman reported being attacked along a hiking trail near the intersection of S. Zephyr Rd. and S. Lakeside Rd. at 5:30 p.m. but told deputies she was able to fight off the attacker according to a June 2 press release.
The suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Ethan S. Cunningham was arrested for 2nd degree assault after an investigation by Spokane County Sexual Assault (SAU), Spokane County Investigative Unit (SCIU) Detectives, and Spokane Valley Deputies.
The report shows Spokane County Deputies met with Liberty Lake Police and learned about a possible suspect vehicle, which was identified using a Liberty Lake FLOCK Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) camera installed in the area.
The suspect’s vehicle was later located and seized as evidence according to records.
On June 2, SAU and SCIU Detectives conducting surveillance observed the suspect and contacted him with Spokane Valley Deputies’ assistance. With probable cause established, the suspect was arrested for Assault 2nd Degree.
According to reports, the victim told Deputy Darr she had parked in a turnout near a hiking trail. She said an older model white sedan was parked, occupied by a white male adult who appeared to be listening to music or talking on the phone.
The victim said she stopped to take photos after walking a short distance on the trail. While doing so, she noticed the male she observed in the parked car walk past her, and then he turned around and walked toward her according to police.
When he got close, the suspect grabbed and pinned her to the ground, placing himself on top of her.
Records show the suspect grabbed her by the neck and squeezed tightly, trying to choke her.
According to the report he victim fought back by scratching, biting, kicking and struggling to break the suspect’s grasp on her neck. As she continued to fight, the suspect suddenly rolled off her, stood up, and ran away.
The victim couldn’t find her phone to call police, so she armed herself with a knife from her bag and went back toward her vehicle according to reports. The suspect was gone by the time she got back to her car.
She drove back to Liberty Lake, contacted her husband, and then went to the Liberty Lake Police Department to report the attack.
According to the report, Deputy Darr noted the victim’s appearance and the apparent signs and injuries consistent with being involved in a violent assault and struggle, as she described. He notified his supervisor of the incident, and additional resources and Detectives were called to assist.
Spokane County and Valley Deputies began searching possible locations for the suspect vehicle, which was located early this morning, unoccupied, in the 13300 block of E. Mission Avenue. The car was seized as evidence pending a search warrant.
The search for Cunningham, who also matched the description provided by the victim, continued throughout the day. At approximately 2:50 pm on June 2, while conducting surveillance in the area where the vehicle was located, SAU and SCIU Detectives observed Cunningham in a parking lot. They approached and contacted him with the assistance of Spokane Valley Deputies.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible if evidence is gained to support them.
Detectives credit the victim and her ferocious determination to defend herself in stopping this attack.
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