Teen Girl Raped In Downtown Tacoma: Police

TACOMA, WA — A 15-year-old girl was raped in an alley barely one block from the Pierce County Courthouse and jail facility in downtown Tacoma in the middle of the afternoon on Nov. 21, according court documents describing the alleged crime. One man is currently in custody, charged with rape and kidnapping with sexual motivation.

Michael Muthee Munywe, 36, formerly of Kenya, is currently being held at Pierce County Jail on $1 million bail.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Patch, Tacoma police officers were dispatched to the McDonald's at 802 Tacoma Ave. S after receiving a 911 call from a teen girl. The girl reportedly acted as though she was asking her mother to come pick her up, telling dispatchers where she was and what she was wearing. When dispatchers asked if someone was trying to hurt her, the girl said "yes."

When officers arrived at the McDonald's they saw the girl and Munywe walking together, heading south on South Ninth Street, away from the restaurant and across the street from Pierce County Corrections. The officer noted making eye contact with the girl, who appeared to be "terrified" and in "extreme distress."

After the officer pulled over and contacted the pair, the girl immediately separated herself from Munywe, reportedly staying close to the officer. When the officer asked whether she called 911, the girl reportedly said yes and began crying.

The girl then described the alleged assault in graphic detail, noting the entire incident occurred within moments of her getting off a bus at South Yakima Avenue and South 11th Street.

When she got off the bus, the girl said she noticed Munywe standing at the stop along with other people. As she stepped off, however, Munywe approached her and said, "I missed you, I'm glad I see you again," the affidavit states.

The girl told officers she assumed Munywe knew her mother and didn't give the exchange much thought; but Munywe continued chatting, asking the girl her age — to which she replied, "15," the affidavit states.

Munywe then reportedly gave the girl his phone number and asked for hers before following her away from the bus stop.

While they walked Munywe reportedly tried to kiss the girl on the cheek, which she rejected by pushing him away. Munywe then pressed harder for a kiss and a hug; the girl again pushed him away.

After the second rejection Munywe grabbed the girl by her arm, reportedly telling her they were going to his house. The girl told officers she became afraid Munywe was going to hurt her. Then he reportedly pulled her into what she described as an alley near the parking lot of a law office on South 10th Avenue.

In the alley Munywe allegedly set himself upon the girl, prying at her clothing and ultimately raping her for approximately 7 minutes, the affidavit states. The girl was then able to successfully push Munywe away long enough to start walking back toward the street. Again, however, Munywe followed her.

The girl told officers she was afraid to run, thinking Munywe would give chase and possibly attack her.

Catching up to the girl, Munywe then walked alongside her toward the McDonald's. As they walked, the girl called 911 and pretended to speak to her mom, asking her to come pick her up.

When asked what he was doing, Munywe reportedly told officers, "I am walking with my friend."

Munywe was subsequently arrested after a brief investigation at the scene and taken to Tacoma police headquarters, where he was placed in a jail cell. The girl was taken to hospital.

Munywe further described his living situation with officers while at the Tacoma Police Department, telling them he moved to the U.S. from Kenya in 2014 and currently stays at the Nativity House shelter. Officers noted Munywe reeked of alcohol.

Munywe reportedly claimed to have been walking to Safeway for some soda before admitting he also bought a bottle of vodka. Then he said he met "McDonald's girl," telling officers she "appeared from nowhere." Munywe reportedly said he believed the girl was in her early 20s.

Munywe described spending roughly 10 minutes with "McDonald's girl," telling officers he hugged her — but denied having any sexual contact with her whatsoever — before she called her mom to meet her at the fast food restaurant.

Munywe was arraigned Nov. 26. His next court date is set for Dec. 28.

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