Battle Ground police arrest man in child molestation case

Police officers have arrested a Battle Ground man on suspicion of child sexual assault.

Battle Ground police officers began an investigation Tuesday into a report of a sexual assault of a minor in Battle Ground, and later arrested Jeffery Johnson, 53, on suspicion of two counts of second-degree child molestation.

The police said Johnson resides where the alleged crimes occurred, and the location also served as a day care facility. The police said there was no indication of crimes involving participants at the day care.

Child Protective Services also responded, according to the police.

“The children who reside in the home are safe,” said Nora West, a spokeswoman for Child Protective Services.

Stephanie Linden, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Early Learning, said the home-based care center’s license has been suspended, as is standard when a Child Protective Services investigation involves a child care business.