A Washougal teenager has been arrested for allegedly beating up and trying to rob an 86-year-old woman.
The alleged assault occurred Jan. 5, 2010. Investigators said they linked -Nikita V. Zimin to the crime last month through a DNA match. He made his first court appearance Friday.
“We feel this case is extremely predatory,” Deputy Prosecutor Michael Dodds told the judge.
Prosecutors allege Zimin used a ruse that his car broke down to enter the woman’s home in Washougal. Inside, he asked to use the phone and for a glass of water. Then, he demanded that she hand over her purse. When she refused, Zimin struck her in the face, causing her to fall, according to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court.
After he fled, the woman tried to call the police, but Zimin had disconnected her phone, court documents allege. Disoriented and confused, she walked to a neighbor’s house, where a neighbor called 911.
The woman was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital for severe facial bruising and bleeding.
Friday, police said she did not suffer any life-threatening injuries from the attack. She now lives at an assisted living facility.
The woman told investigators she thought the teen used to mow her lawn several years ago, but did not know his name, said Senior Deputy Prosecutor Jim David.
Zimin, who was 17 at the time, was arrested on a drug charge the summer of 2010, David said. As is standard for criminal charges, he was ordered to give a DNA sample. In April of this year, DNA testing performed on the drinking glass used by the assailant reportedly yielded a match with Zimin.
When interviewed by investigators, Zimin admitted that he knew the woman kept her money in a black purse because he used to mow her lawn, according to court documents. After he couldn’t find the purse, he ran off.
Now 18, Zimin was arrested Thursday and made his first appearance on suspicion of first-degree attempted robbery, second-degree assault and first-degree burglary. Clark County Superior Court Judge Robert Lewis set bail at $200,000 and appointed attorney Therese Lavallee to represent him.
Per state law, 16- and 17-year-olds charged with seriously violent offenses are automatically remanded to adult court.
Dodds told Lewis that prosecutors plan to file the aggravating factor, among others, that the crime was committed against a vulnerable adult.
Zimin will be arraigned May 20.
Laura McVicker: 360-735-4516 or laura.mcvicker@columbian.com.
