Kidnapping, rape suspect at large, Tacoma police say. Investigators seek public’s help

TACOMA — A man accused of raping and kidnapping a woman at gunpoint near the Tacoma Mall is still at large, police say.

Tacoma Police Department detectives said they are searching for James Salanoa, 22, who allegedly raped and kidnapped a woman in her own car on Saturday at 11:38 a.m. in the 4900 block of Tacoma Mall Boulevard. Salanoa allegedly fled in a stolen white Cadillac Escalade, which has since been recovered. A felony warrant was issued for Salanoa’s arrest, according to a Crime Stoppers bulletin.

The attack occurred just south of the Tacoma Mall on the west side of the boulevard, which runs parallel to Interstate 5. The parking lot is near budget hotel Extended Stay America and across the street from Chuck-E-Cheese, according to a previous News Tribune story.

Tacoma police spokesman detective William Muse told The News Tribune previously that the woman did not know the man who attacked her. She was in the parking lot when he approached her, “forcibly” took some of her personal property, and sexually assaulted her.

Muse said police were able to identify Salanoa as a suspect through evidence left at the scene and after consulting with the victim.

Salanoa is described as 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 200 pounds, the bulletin said.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 as a reward for information that leads to Salanoa’s arrest. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or at tpcrimestoppers.com.