Deputies Make Arrest in Forest Grove Attempted Rape‏

The suspect, James Worley, is currently on parole for kidnapping and attempted robbery.

The suspect, James Worley, faces charges of Attempted Rape I, Kidnapping II, Assault IV, Menacing, and Strangulation. Photo: Washington County Sheriff

(FOREST GROVE, Ore.) - An attempted rape victim who paid attention to her alleged attacker's license plate number, gave police enough information to see the man in custody by the end of the day.

Washington County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Sgt. David Thompson, said the incident happened occurred early yesterday morning on a rural highway south of the City of Forest Grove.

"The adult female victim told investigators she was attacked after she attempted to render aid to a man she thought had run out of gas. The woman fought off the attack and reported the incident to deputies."

Thompson says it helped greatly that the woman was able to remain alert.

"She was able to give a good description of the suspect to Washington County deputies who tracked the him to Oregon City and arrested him."

He says it began Saturday at 2:22 AM. The victim said she had been at a local tavern earlier in the evening with a relative. She met the suspect, 47-year old James Worley in the tavern and they struck up a conversation.

"At some point during the evening Mr. Worley mentioned that he was almost out of gas and inquired where the closest gas station was. The victim told him it was in Forest Grove and offered to have him follow her there so he would not get lost."

The victim said that at the end of the night, she and her relative parted ways outside the tavern. The victim said she allowed James Worley to follow her north on Highway 47 toward Forest Grove.

"The victim was keeping Mr. Worley's headlights in sight because she was concerned he may run out of gas, it was dark and raining heavily. About two miles north of Gaston, near SW Scoggins Valley Road, the victim saw Mr. Worley's car pull over. She stopped and drove back to his location. Mr. Worley started to get into her car and immediately began assaulting the victim. He struck her several times and pushed his way into her car."

The victim told deputies that Worley attempted to unbuckle her pants and also pushed her head into his crotch, Thompson said.

"He threatened to kill her with a knife if she did not comply with his demands. It was later discovered that he was holding a screwdriver and not a knife. The victim fought back and was able to escape from the car."

Thompson says it didn't end there, he says Worley caught her and dragged her back to the car where he continued to assault her.

"At one point James Worley attempted to drag the victim into the bushes but she struggled with him and he was not able to overpower her. The victim said James Worley finally gave up and left the scene."

And as he was pulling away, the victim was able to see his license plate which she later gave to investigators.

The adult female victim flagged down two off-duty Forest Grove Police officers who rendered aid and called Washington County Sheriff's deputies to investigate the incident. Thompson explains that the town of Gaston contracts with the Washington County Sheriff's Office to patrol within its city limits. This incident occurred in unincorporated Washington County north of Gaston.

Washington County deputies and detectives were able to track down the location of Worley's car in Oregon City. Oregon City Police officers located and detained him until Washington County investigators arrested him for the crimes of Attempted Rape I, Kidnapping II, Assault IV, Menacing, and Strangulation. A search warrant was obtained for Worley's 1997 silver Ford Escort. He was taken to the Washington County Jail where he is being held on a $250,000 bail.

The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A rape advocate was also sent to the hospital to assist the victim with this traumatic event.

James Worley is currently on parole for kidnapping and attempted robbery from an incident that occurred in 1999, he was recently paroled from prison after serving seven years on that conviction. His parole officer has placed a "parole violation hold" on him for this incident.