Girl Attacked in Wallace Marine Park

At this point, Police do not see a connection with a recent attempted rape involving a minor female on Portland Road.

Wallace Marine Park Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM) - Salem Police are investigating the alleged attempted sexual assault of an underage girl Monday night at Wallace Marine Park. The victim told police that the attacker was 32-year old William John Elliott, a transient.

At this point, Police do not see a connection with a recent attempted rape involving a minor female on Portland Road.

Salem Police Sgt Kevin Halvorsen says police arrested Elliott after the girl's report of the assault north of the ball field at Wallace. "She was able to fend him off, it looks like it was somebody who was familiar with her." Halvorsen says the girl kicked the attacker who was described as intoxicated. The victim told police that the attacker was a remote family acquaintance that had purchased alcohol before going to the park.

After the attack, the girl walked to nearby business to report what had happened to police. Officers responding to the park located Elliot, but he resisted arrest and was tazed and arrested. Detectives took the man into custody and are continuing their investigation.

Elliott now faces charges of Attempted rape 1 class a felony, Sex Abuse 1, class b felony, and Furnishing alcohol to a minor which is a misdemeanor. Elliott was transported to the Polk County Jail on the listed charges.