Updated: Arrest made in Little Squalicum Park assault and robbery

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Whatcom County Jail records show an arrest was made Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in a sexual assault and robbery reported August 20, 2025.

At the time, officials with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said the assault occurred on the trail system in Little Squalicum Park off Marine Drive. After an extensive search with assistance from local agencies and a WCSO K-9, the suspect was not located.

On August 28, 2025, WCSO issued the following statement.

On the morning of Wednesday, August 20, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to Little Squalicum Park for a report of a rape and robbery of a 48-year-old victim.  A large law enforcement response, including drones and K-9 units, canvassed the area but was unable to locate the suspect. Witnesses were able to describe the suspect, who immediately fled the area.

WCSO Major Crimes Division immediately launched an investigation. Detectives confirmed the victim was raped, bitten, and had their wallet stolen by the suspect. The victim also reported that the suspect was armed with a knife. Both the knife and the victim’s wallet were recovered at the scene.

WCSO publicly requested any surveillance footage from that area during that time. Bellingham Police Department, What-Comm and dozens of businesses and residents provided key evidence that helped detectives and patrol deputies identify the suspect’s vehicle, which led to a person of interest. Witness accounts led to the development of probable cause to arrest 35-year-old Joseph Drager of Lynden for Rape 1st, Robbery 1st and Assault 2nd with a Deadly Weapon.

Detectives reviewed evidence, interviewed multiple witnesses, and followed up on leads. They reviewed numerous hours of surveillance footage and conducted thorough searches of the area. Through countless hours of investigation, work included reviewing tips from the community, analyzing evidence, and collaborating with other agencies.

On Wednesday, August 27, WCSO detectives and patrol deputies located Drager leaving his residence in the 7000 block of Guide Meridian. He was stopped and taken into custody without incident with assistance from the Lynden Police Department.

Drager, who admitted to changing his appearance after the incident, also described the victim and admitted to having a sexual encounter with them. Search warrants of Drager’s residence and vehicle found clothing he was wearing at the time of the crime, as well as cut hair believed to be from his attempt to change his appearance.

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– Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (August 28, 2025)

Jail records indicate Joseph Fawler Drager, age 35, was booked and charged with suspicion of 1st-degree rape, 1st-degree robbery and 2nd-degree assault. The charges are linked to the August 20, 2025, WCSO incident case number in the jail records.

Updated 8/28/25 8:45am with the suspect’s name and age.

Updated 8/28/25 10am with statement from WCSO.