Woman reports sexual assault at Indian Summer

By Jeremy Pawloski | The Olympian • Published March 19, 2008

Thurston County sheriff's detectives are investigating after a woman reported being sexually assaulted while making a delivery near the Indian Summer Golf Club in the 5900 block of Troon Lane.

The woman, who is in her 20s, reported that she was leaving a public restroom near the golf course at Prestwick and Troon lanes about 4:45 a.m. Sunday when she was attacked from behind, Sheriff's Lt. Chris Mealy said Tuesday. The woman reported that a man forced her back toward the restroom building, then slammed her head into a brick wall, causing her to lose consciousness, says a news release from the sheriff's office.

The woman is not being identified because of the nature of the incident.

After regaining consciousness, the woman phoned a friend and went to a hospital, where she was treated and released, according to the news release.

The woman was not able to provide a description of the suspect, and no vehicles were seen. Mealy said evidence was collected at the hospital that will be turned over to the state crime lab. The woman suffered abrasions and cuts to her head, Mealy said.

Thurston County Sheriff Dan Kimball said the sheriff's office waited until Tuesday morning to release information to the public because detectives needed to ensure that it was accurate.

Kimball said that in such cases, detectives must balance the public's need to know with an obligation to investigate and report accurate information.

The country club, golf course and subdivision complex in the area where the incident was reported make up a private, gated community.

Notifying residents

Harlan Barnett, a board member of the Indian Summer Homeowners Association, said he learned of the incident Monday and immediately e-mailed subdivision residents.

There are about 400 homes at the subdivision, Barnett said.

A security guard turned away reporters Tuesday. A sign at the gate read, "Urgent Board/ Security Meeting 6:30 p.m. at Clubhouse." Barnett confirmed Tuesday that homeowners planned to meet about the reported sexual assault.

Barnett did not have details beyond what the sheriff's office provided.

Trish Huff, general manager of the Indian Summer Golf and Country Club, released an e-mail Tuesday through a corporate spokesperson.

"We are hopeful to determine the details of the incident as soon as possible, and we continue to ensure the safety of our guests and employees through heightened security," the statement read, in part. "We have learned that homeowners of the community have been notified of the incident via the Homeowners Association."

Jeremy Pawloski covers public safety for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5465 or jpawloski@theolympian.com.