KENT, Wash. — The suspect accused of violently sexually assaulting a woman in Kent was charged Thursday, Sept. 19, and remains in jail on $750,000 bail.
Troy Walton, 26, was charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree attempted rape, second-degree assault with sexual motivation and indecent liberties.
Kent police were called to the 1000 block of Central Avenue North near Kent Memorial Park around 9:20 a.m. on Sept. 15, where a 29-year-old woman was attacked from behind by a large man and dragged into nearby bushes. Walton allegedly punched and strangled the woman and she lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, the suspect was sexually assaulting her, according to police.
The woman was able to fight back and escape her attacker. She was treated at Harborview Medical Center and has since been released.
The next day, detectives from the Major Crimes Unit, Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit and Special Assault Unit were able to find surveillance video that showed clear images of the suspect. They shared these pictures with patrol officers.
On Sept. 17, a sergeant with the Crime Reduction Unit was asked to search for the suspect. With help from investigators and patrol teams, Walton was located near the Kent Transit Center wearing the same clothes and shoes as he had on during the attack. He was arrested within 20 minutes, and during an interview, gave a full confession to detectives.
During his confession, he told detectives he "intended on raping the victim," according to charging documents.
Walton was on probation at the time of the alleged attack, prosecutors note. He previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 12 to fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. He spent 10 days in jail and was released on Aug. 20.
It's noted in charging documents that although Walton has a "limited criminal history, his violent behavior appears to be escalating."