Larch inmate accused in assault, attempted rape

A Larch Corrections Center inmate who allegedly attacked a woman and attempted to rape her while serving on a work crew Friday made a first appearance Monday in Clark County Superior Court.

Joseph R. Smith, 27, appeared Monday to face allegations of first-degree attempted rape and first-degree assault. Smith was part of a 17-member crew working to clear land at a job site near 27518 N.E. Bjur Road in Ridgefield, court records show.

Clark County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. to the site for a report of an attempted rape. The victim, who was working at the same site for a different agency, said she was taking photos when she noticed one of the inmates walk up behind her. The inmate, later identified as Smith, grabbed her, placed his hand over her mouth and tried to stab her in the neck with a scrench — a tool that combines a wrench and screwdriver, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Smith then threw the victim to the ground and attempted to rape her, court records said.

The victim told deputies that Smith became remorseful and stopped. He told her not to tell anyone, she said, and then he fled into the woods, according to the affidavit.

The victim identified Smith as her attacker from a lineup, court documents said.

During an interview with detectives, Smith first denied being involved in the incident, court records said. However, he then said he approached the victim from behind and tried to hit her in the head with a wrench but missed. Smith said the woman fell forward and he fell on top of her. He denied trying to rape her, the affidavit said.

On Monday, Deputy Prosecutor Jessica Barrar said Smith has been in custody since 2008. He has a lengthy criminal history, she said, including multiple assault convictions, one of which involved a weapon.

Judge Gregory Gonzales set Smith’s bail at $750,000. Vancouver defense attorney Jeff Staples was appointed to represent Smith.

Smith will be arraigned Dec. 21.