Puyallup Man Charged in Alleged Groping Outside Walmart

The man who told a woman she "could get raped" for being out so late and forcing her against a fence now faces charges of second-degree attempted rape and indecent liberties in Pierce County Court.

Sean Bagley, 32, appeared in court Fri., July 12 and plead not guilty to the charges. He is being held in police custody in lieu of $1 million bail.

According to the charging papers, Bagley approached the woman as she walked to Walmart to buy food at approximately 10 p.m. on July 9. The victim told police Bagley was standing near the corner of 5th St. SE and 31st Ave. SE, just behind Walmart. He was "acting weird" and held out a lighter to her as she walked by, charging papers state.

After the woman left Walmart with her purchases, she again encountered the defendant, who started talking to her and said, "what are you doing out this late, little girl? You know you could get raped." Then, Bagley allegedly grabbed the woman and pushed her toward a fence. When she stumbled away, Bagley touched her groin with one hand while grabbing her hip with the other. She struck him with her knee, which she thought hit him in the groin. She ran into Walmart and called 9-1-1, according to police.

After Puyallup Police released surveillance footage of the rape suspect inside the Walmart store, Bagley was apprehended at his Puyallup residence. He was identified by his distinct tattoos and police recovered clothing that matched his outfit on the night of the incident.

According to the charging papers, Bagley declined to make a statement on the incident. 

A hearing is scheduled for August 16 and jury trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 4, 2013.