Battle Ground chiropractor arrested in sexual assault investigation

A chiropractor who works in Battle Ground was arrested Thursday after police ended a monthlong investigation into allegations that he touched two patients inappropriately.

Mark S. LaRue, 64, of Kalama was arrested on suspicion of second-degree rape and indecent liberties, according to the Battle Ground Police Department. LaRue owns Battle Ground Family Chiropractic at 713 W. Main St., Suite 201, police said.

Officers began their investigation in May when two of LaRue’s female patients, ages 22 and 47, reported that he touched them in a sexual manner while they received chiropractic and massage treatment at his Battle Ground clinic, according to Battle Ground police.

During the investigation, detectives learned that three different women made similar allegations against LaRue in 2003 and 2004. While reports were made to the Battle Ground Police Department and the Department of Health, there was not sufficient evidence at that time to charge LaRue, Battle Ground police said.

LaRue has practiced chiropractic medicine at his clinic in Battle Ground since 2002 , police said.

He was issued a chiropractor license in Washington in December 1997. His license is currently active and is set to expire in November. He also has an active Oregon license, which was issued in July 2002 and expires in November.

The Washington Department of Health does have an open investigation, which was initiated this month, on LaRue, according to department spokesman David Johnson.

The investigation is ongoing and detectives ask that anyone with information contact Detective Sgt. Kim Armstrong at 360-342-5252 or by email at kim.armstrong@cityofbg.org.