BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Bellingham Police Department has issued an apology over their handling of a recent assault case.

Bellingham Police acknowledged that there was a delay in notifying the public about a woman being randomly assaulted on a trail at Lake Padden Park on Saturday, June 22. Officials also say they are reviewing their processes for public notification and internal communications to avoid a similar delay in the future.

The woman was attacked on a horse trail located on the park’s southeast side around 10:30 that morning. Investigators add that drivers on I-5 may have seen something connected to the assault as the attacker fled down a hill towards I-5.

Bellingham Police is asking anyone who may have seen any unusual activity within the trail system before or after the attack to contact their non-emergency line.