SEQUIM — A homeowner’s surveillance video led to the arrest Wednesday of a man authorities believe was wearing a Halloween mask when he attacked a 22-year-old woman July 21.
Authorities arrested Spencer J. Silva, 22, of Sequim at his home for investigation of unlawful imprisonment and second-degree assault in connection with an assault on a woman while she bicycled at about 8:30 a.m. July 21 on Olympic Discovery Trail, Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict said.
The woman was attacked while she was riding west of Railroad Bridge Park by East Runnion Road, authorities said.
The woman — who was not injured — screamed and fought off her assailant, who fled as neighbors came to her rescue.
Law enforcement personnel canvassed the area and found a homeowner who had a surveillance camera on his house that contained images of the vehicle Silva is suspected of driving from the trail, Benedict said.
Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Knutson recognized the vehicle as belonging to Silva, Benedict said.
The department used FBI technology to enhance the camera’s images, he said.
A knife that was not used in the attack but that was found where the attack occurred also connected Silva to the attack, Benedict said.
DNA from the knife was connected to Silva’s DNA from another source, Benedict said.
The woman stands about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds compared with her attacker, who weighs about 200 pounds and is about 6 feet tall, police said.
The man was wearing a Halloween mask with red on it and a hooded sweatshirt when he turned as she passed by and assaulted her, knocking her to the ground, she said.
