Colorado man posing as search-and-rescue allegedly sexually assaults hiker

A Colorado man is accused of attacking a hiker whereas posing as search-and-rescue personnel, in response to native authorities.

William Tidwell, 50, of Northglenn, is dealing with prices of illegal sexual contact by pressure, second-degree assault, and impersonating a public servant following the July 25 assault.

The feminine sufferer was mountaineering within the space of Caribou Street and Forest Service Street 505 in Boulder County close to the Caribou Dispersed Tenting Space when an unknown man approached her in what she described as a search-and-rescue automobile, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Workplace (BCSO) mentioned in a press launch.

“The male supplied her a journey to a unique path within the space. Whereas with him, she was sexually and bodily assaulted. Finally, she was in a position to depart the male and instantly reported this incident to the sheriff’s workplace,” BCSO mentioned.

She described the suspect as a bald man in his 50s with a graying beard.

She additionally mentioned he was carrying what seemed to be an official search-and-rescue uniform shirt.

Investigators later obtained a warrant for Tidwell’s arrest, and the Idaho Springs Police Division took him into custody on August 7.

In a video posted to Fb on February 28, Tidwell mentioned he runs a “private coaching service in addition to a search-and-rescue service,” however he had plans to begin a “kink attire” firm, as nicely.

Photographs posted to Tidwell’s Fb web page seem to point out his search-and-rescue automobile — a white Jeep truck displaying official-looking search-and-rescue stickers.

A sticker that reads “S.A.R.” could be seen on the again of the truck.

In the meantime, in Jefferson County, Colorado, authorities on Thursday arrested a suspect described as a “prolific sexual predator” focusing on hikers at Stapleton Park, close to the Beaver Brook Path.

That suspect, whom the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Workplace didn’t title, allegedly “uncovered himself” to 2 lone, feminine hikers. He additionally allegedly tried to “seize” one of many ladies.

After a two-and-a-half-hour search, authorities discovered a male suspect “hiding within the woods.”

They chased him on foot earlier than taking him into custody.

Authorities consider there could also be further victims who’ve encountered Tidwell, and they’re asking anybody with related data to contact Detective Garrett Eastman with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Workplace at 303-441-3633, or through e-mail at: geastman@bouldercounty.gov.