EDMONDS, Wash. — A local man has been arrested following a violent attack at a massage parlor that left two employees seriously injured. The 48-year-old suspect faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment, authorities reported.
The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday at Eva Spa Massage on Edmonds Way, according to the Edmonds Police Department. Witnesses recounted that the man, a former customer recognized by one of the victims, forcibly entered the business, locking the door behind him.
Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moments when the suspect assaulted the first victim. As she tried to escape into a back room, the violent assault continued with a metal coat rack as the weapon. A male customer present during the attack stated that he heard the assailant’s remarks, which suggested that the attack was premeditated, though authorities are still investigating the motive behind the assault.
Both victims managed to flee outside, but the suspect pursued them until he noticed that 911 had been called. When police arrived, they found the victims unconscious and evidence of the brutal attack scattered around the premises.
Officers quickly located the suspect in a nearby parking lot, where he was apprehended without resistance. Law enforcement reported he was wearing gloves with visible blood stains. While being taken into custody, he allegedly expressed regret for not having killed the victims.
Emergency responders transported the two women to local hospitals, where they received treatment for multiple lacerations and serious injuries to their heads and faces. The police are continuing to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.
The suspect is now being held at the Snohomish County Jail, as detectives work to piece together the events leading up to the violent confrontation. Community members have expressed shock, calling the attack both tragic and alarming.