A Redmond woman was sexually assaulted in her apartment near the 8500 block of 148th Avenue Northeast at knifepoint early Tuesday morning.

The Redmond Police Department (RPD) received a 911 call saying the incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m.

The suspect entered the victim’s ground-floor apartment through the rear sliding door, which RPD spokesperson Jim Bove said they believe was unlocked. The suspect then went into the bedroom where the victim, who is in her early 30s, was studying, put a knife to her throat and proceeded to rape her.

Bove said the victim had a scratch on her neck, but they don’t know if it was from the knife or if it occurred during the assault.

Bove said the victim did not recognize the suspect, but added that the suspect may know her — whether he is a neighbor, an acquaintance or has seen her in passing — and the victim has been unaware.

“She has no idea who it was,” he said.

Bove said it is “extremely rare” for a victim to not know their attacker. He said the last time this occurred in Redmond was about four years ago.

Based on a K-9 search, officers believe the suspect fled north through the apartment complex parking lot, but likely got into a car and drove away as the trail went cold, Bove said.

Bove said this incident is a reminder for people to lock their doors and windows, even if they are home.

The suspect is described as white or light-skinned Latino male of medium build. He was wearing a dark-colored baseball hat and a white t-shirt underneath a dark colored sweatshirt or jacket. The suspect was also described as having a strong foreign accent — possibly Spanish.

Anyone with information is asked to call the RPD tip line at (425) 556-2581 or 911 in the case of an emergency or time-sensitive information.