39-Year-Old Pullman Man Arrested on Multiple Rape Charges

Salah Desoky faces felony counts of rape, indecent liberties, and threatening to kill

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:23am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handcuff lock against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the serious legal consequences of the alleged crimes.A harsh, gritty close-up of a handcuff lock symbolizes the serious nature of the sexual assault and domestic violence charges against the suspect.Pullman Today

A 39-year-old Pullman, Washington man named Salah Desoky has been arrested and booked into the Whitman County Jail on four felony rape charges as well as additional felonies for indecent liberties and threatening to kill. The charges are all listed as domestic violence cases, though details about the allegations remain sealed in the court documents.

Why it matters

Sexual assault and domestic violence cases often involve complex legal and social issues, with victims sometimes reluctant to come forward. This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting these types of crimes, which can have severe impacts on individuals and communities.

The details

The investigation into Desoky began in December after a report was made to the Pullman Police Department. An arrest warrant was issued this week, and Desoky was taken into custody without incident by the Whitman County Regional SWAT Team near his residence in a Pullman mobile home park. Pullman Police Commander Ruben Harris stated that SWAT was used primarily because Desoky had been threatening gun violence.

  • The investigation began with a report to Pullman Police in December.
  • An arrest warrant was issued for Desoky this week.
  • Desoky was arrested on Thursday morning near his residence.

The players

Salah Desoky

A 39-year-old Pullman, Washington resident who has been arrested and charged with four felony counts of rape as well as additional felonies for indecent liberties and threatening to kill.

Ruben Harris

The Pullman Police Commander who stated that the SWAT team was used to apprehend Desoky primarily due to his threats of gun violence.

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What they’re saying

“SWAT was used primarily because Desoky had been threatening gun violence.”

— Ruben Harris, Pullman Police Commander

What’s next

Desoky is set to be arraigned on Thursday. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting sexual assault and domestic violence crimes, where victims may be reluctant to come forward and details of the allegations can remain sealed. The use of SWAT teams also raises questions about the appropriate response to suspects who make threats of violence.