A 43-year-old Port Angeles man who attacked another Port Angeles man on the Olympic Discovery Trail in May was sentenced on Sept. 9 in Clallam County Superior Court to receive substance use disorder treatment followed by 12.75 months in prison.

Alexander K. Bees, 43, of Port Angeles changed his plea to guilty on Sept. 9 for assault in the third degree, and was sentenced the same day by Judge Brent Basden.

Due to prior crimes, he faced upwards of 29 months in jail, according to court documents.

Bees will receive a prison-based Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA), followed by 12.75 months of community supervision under the Department of Corrections.

Basden also signed off on a five-year protection order for the victim from Bees.

Clallam County Sheriff’s Office reported that at around 4:21 a.m. on May 21, the victim was walking along the trail near U.S. Highway 101 and West Sequim Bay Road when he was struck unprovoked on his left arm and shoulder with a metal pipe by Bees.

The victim, a 43-year-old Port Angeles man, called 911 about the attack about 25 minutes after it occurred, deputies report, and the victim was transported to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a bone contusion and soft tissue contusion.

Deputies located Bees’ vehicle but not him nearby partially blocking the eastbound lane and abandoned on the 100 block of Louella Road.

Bees matched the victim’s description of his attacker, and deputies with Sequim Police Department officers arrested on June 2.

He was deemed indigent by Basden, and he has prior felony convictions for theft, assault, tampering with a witness, and attempting to elude law enforcement, along with 16 gross misdemeanor convictions, and four misdemeanor convictions.

While the sheriff’s office report that violent incidents are rare on the ODT, it has established the ODT Bike Patrol where deputies on bike patrol regularly monitor the trail, provide a visible safety presence, and engage with trail users.

They encourage the following:

• Travel with a partner when possible.

• Keep a cell phone with you and ensure it is charged.

• Be aware of your surroundings—avoid distractions such as loud headphones.

• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.

• Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, leave the area.