West Seattle, Washington
21 Thursday
9:28 AM: Police are searching in Sunrise Heights/Westwood for two people, at least one of whom bailed out of a vehicle that had two punctured tires. The Guardian One helicopter is joining the search. Police apparently know who they’re looking for because they say both have warrants. The person they know is on foot is described as a white man, tall, thin, dark clothing, in the company of a small dog. The vehicle they’re looking for is a 1988 black Chevrolet pickup. Call 911 if you’ve seen either the suspect or pickup.
9:47 AM: Guardian One hasn’t seen evidence of the truck or suspect(s), so it’s departing the area.
9:53 AM: Police just found the truck in the 7500 block of 24th SW, no one inside.
(Seattle Police photo)
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed three felony charges against the man arrested last Thursday for firing a gun at Camp Second Chance, the tiny-home encampment in southeast West Seattle. 73-year-old Steven N. Phillips is charged with second-degree assault, unlawful gun possession, and unlawful firearm discharge. The charging documents say he was not allowed to possess a gun because of convictions including attempted residential burglary in 2009. He has older charges in three other states going back to 1975. The charges recap what was previously alleged – that Phillips started firing from his unit around 12:30 pm, about six shots. That’s according to the staff member who went to check on him; he allegedly then fired two rounds toward her, though neither she nor anyone else was injured. A friend of the suspect who lives at CSC told staffers that Phillips is a veteran with PTSD; she said he would not harm anybody and was “only going through an episode of his paranoia.” The SWAT team responded and, police say, Phillips fired another two rounds after their arrival. They talked him into surrendering and got a search warrant for his tiny house, where they found a 9mm gun, shell casings, a magazine with eight bullets, and two boxes of ammunition. Phillips’ bail is set at $400,000.
Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch:
GRINNING MAIL THIEVES: Reader report via email:
(They) broke mailboxes today at 12:49 AM, 35th & Webster; we just had mail stolen two weeks ago, different vandal.
No report # yet.
PARK ATTACK: SPD reports an arrest in an attack in Lincoln Park early Sunday. A suspect was booked for investigation of robbery. The victim said she was walking in the park at about 12:29 am Sunday when someone “walked up and struck her in the head,” then grabbed her blanket, pillow, and mat, and fled. Police found both the suspect and the victim’s stolen items. The suspect was booked into jail.
10:18 AM: Last week, police circulated those images of a man they say was “involved” in the shooting death of 53-year-old Oton Garcia Ruiz at the Shree’s Truck Stop gas station in southeast West Seattle two weeks ago. Today, they say the 26-year-old suspect is in custody after turning himself in at SPD headquarters downtown. Police allege the deadly shooting was random – that the shots were fired in the gas station “with disregard” for whomever might have been in the bullets’ path. We’re working to find information about the suspect’s background and status.
1:42 PM: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says bail was set for the suspect over the weekend, $2 million. Probable-cause documents say the suspect is a warehouse worker in Boulevard Park and co-workers who recognized the images circulated by police called in tips. He is reported to have called in sick from work in the days after the shooting, which police say was preceded by a fight with some other people the suspect had been talking to at the gas station, unrelated to the victim. The shots are reported to have been fired from a car after it left the station, and captured on a truck’s dashcam. The KCPAO says the suspect has no previous felony record in King County. He is not reported to have given any explanation when he turned himself in but he did have injuries, possibly from the fight that preceded the shooting, Deadline to rush-file charges is this Wednesday.
This time, the report is from Emily:
Our dark blue 2006 Chevy Tahoe was Stolen last night 10/26/2024 in West Seattle. Directly southeast of Westwood Village up the hill.
It has yellow painted tow hooks, a matte black Chevy emblem, some small/medium sized stickers on the rear sides. (Two pirate stickers, goonies, Forrest Gump sticker, and on the other side two stickers that depict the words and symbols for the Rocinante from the Expanse series.) The rear license plate is from Cars land, Disneyland in California featuring colorful neon designs.
(Keep in mind that license plate covers CAN be replaced and stickers can be scraped off so if anything looks suspicious and has signs of being vandalized in attempts to hide its unique features don’t second-guess yourself. Still take photos and reach out to me ASAP!)
Our neighborhood has been having LOTS of issues with crime and grand theft auto. This truck is important to the family as my parents need it for their business, which is our main source of income. Please help us get our Tahoe back!!!!
Plate CGK2844. If you have any information for me contact me via text 206-321-0572 or email lovelyanddapperdesserts@gmail.com
Sent by Angelita:
Reporting a stolen pickup truck – 2000 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab, license plate B12875D – dark gray. Was stolen sometime last night 10/25 from 38th Ave and Morgan.
Call 911 if you find it. (added) SPD report # is 24-303918.
(Seattle Police photo)
The 73-year-old man arrested on Thursday after gunfire at Camp Second Chance, the tiny-house village on Myers Way, remains in jail tonight. Seattle Police have released more information on the incident. They describe the suspect as a convicted felon, which is why he faces a potential charge of unlawful firearm possession. The initial report that brought them to the scene was a report that he was shooting from his unit toward “the common areas,” and then when an employee checked on him, he “shot another two rounds through the door.” Neither the employee nor anyone else was hurt, but police say the suspect fired more rounds even after their arrival. Hostage Negotiation Team officers arrived and convinced him to surrender after almost two hours. Police say they found the gun and “ballistic evidence” after getting a search warrant. Next step is to see whether charges are rush-filed by early next week. His name is fairly common, so it’s hard to tell from court records what he had a prior conviction for; the newest case against someone with that name was in 2000.
Two reader reports:
RUNAWAY TRAILER: Mike is hoping you know whose trailer hit his car:
At 9:50 a.m. a truck with construction utility trailer driving southbound on 38th Ave SW between Juneau and Raymond hit a speed bump and the trailer disconnected from the truck which then crashed into a vehicle parked on the street. The damage is considerable. The contents of the trailer consisted of drywall and mint green painted wood which is clearly from a remodel project in the area. Are you or a neighbor doing construction? A policy report has been filed and the trailer impounded. There are no plates on the trailer and there is an investigation to locate the contractor.
Police report # is 24-302885.
ABANDONED-LIKELY-STOLEN CAR: Coleman spotted this Honda Accord:
Looks like someone dumped a car around the corner from my house on Holden and 32nd.
Plate is CKU9733, and there’s internal damage further suggesting it was stolen.
11:17 PM: Police have found at least one casing in the 3100 block of SW Elmgrove, where they’d gone after reports of a man who said he’d been shot or shot at. They haven’t found that man, who may be on foot somewhere in the area – white or Hispanic, 50s, “scruffy gray stubble,” black jacket over gray hoodie. No description of the shooter(s) but officers are reviewing at least one residence’s security video.
ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s the SPD summary:
At 2300 hours, SW Patrol responded to a report of a male who had knocked on a door claiming to be shot in the 3100 block of SW Elmgrove St. This possible victim fled the scene westbound on foot on SW Elmgrove St prior to police arrival. The scene was located in the 3100 block of SW Elmgrove St where one 9mm FCC was recovered. An extensive area check was conducted on foot and in vehicles, but no victim was located at the time of this SIR. There was no other evidence, property damage or additional victims located at this time. No possible suspect information was available.
12:52 PM: Police are converging on West Seattle’s only tiny-home village, Camp Second Chance (9701 Myers Way S.), after a report of gunfire from a unit on the south side of the complex. No word of injuries so far. Police are advising people at the camp to evacuate. People in the area might see the Guardian One helicopter joining the search for the suspected shooter, whose identity police apparently know. Myers Way is closed in the vicinity.
1:02 PM: The suspected shooter is likely still in his unit, police are saying.
1:43 PM: This is basically a standoff now, No resolution yet.
2:07 PM: Guardian One left because police are confident the situation is contained to the camp – they are not searching beyond it.
2:14 PM: The suspect is reported to be talking with officers about surrendering.
2:25 PM: The suspect is in custody, per SPD.
2:43 PM: Myers Way has not reopened yet, so use alternative routes a while longer.
Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN TRAILER: Be on the lookout for Jennifer‘s utility trailer. stolen this morning in Highland Park:
This morning our utility trailer was stolen from in front of our house. It’s a Karavan trailer, license plate AJ7365. We have video of the vehicle that stole it, but no plate number for that vehicle. Black Dodge SUV with stuff strapped to the top of it with yellow straps. Police report: 24-301790.
UPDATE: As noted in comments, a WSB reader found it, and Jennifer had it back.
ROBBERY ARRESTS: A commenter asked about arrests in Seaview on Tuesday. We had trouble matching an incident to that scene – but now an SPD summary reveals that’s because the arrests happened some distance from the crime, which was at the High Point Walgreens store:
At 1345 hours, Officers responded to a Strong-Arm Robbery Call in the area of 35 Av Sw/ SW Morgan St. The victim advised that he observed two suspects shoplifting at the store. The victim confronted the suspects regarding the stolen items, and the suspects punched the victim multiple times with a closed fist. Officers located the suspects at 42 Av SW/ SW Graham St and were detained. A short time later, the victim positively identified the suspects from a field show-up. The suspects were then arrested for Robbery. The suspects advised that they had ingested drugs, so SFD arrived on the scene to provide medical attention. The victim declined medical attention.
7:26 PM: SFD and SPD are on the way to the 6400 block of High Point Drive for a reported person with a gunshot wound in the back/lower abdomen. Police believe they’re looking for two shooters – so far described only as “two Black males with handguns, one in a gray sweater.”
7:34 PM: They’re believed to have “left the scene in a vehicle,” police have told dispatch. The victim is being taken to Harborview Medical Center.
10:32 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says the shooting victim is a 35-year-old man who was in serious condition when transported.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: SPD has released this summary:
At 1920 hours, officers responded to the 6400 block of High Point Dr SW to reports of shots fired. Officers responded and located an adult male suffering from a single GSW. Officers rendered aid until SFD arrived and transported the victim to HMC in serious condition. During their investigation, officers learned two unknown males opened fire on the victim as he stood on his porch and fled on foot, possibly entering an unknown vehicle. No suspects were located.
The photo and report were sent by Rick:
My wife’s Subaru Forester had window smashed last night, uncertain on time. Vehicle was parked off alley in carport between 45th & 46th by College in North Admiral.
Nothing taken; no report number yet.
5:07 AM: Police are searching for a suspect after one person was shot and wounded (updated) in the 9400 block of 27th SW, across from Roxbury Safeway. No other details yet.
5:36 AM: According to archived dispatch audio, this was reported to have happened at an apartment around quarter past 4. The victim was described as a man in his 30s with a gunshot wound to his chest (that’s from medics, though an early report was that he was shot in the back); the shooter was described only as a Black man in his mid-30s in a red sweater and gray jeans who fled on foot.
8:41 AM: SFD tells us the victim, 37, was in serious condition when transported.
THURSDAY UPDATE: SPD has released this summary:
At 0418 hours, Officers responded to an apartment unit on 9400 block of 27 Av SW. The 911 call stated that someone inside the unit had been shot. Officers arrived to find several people inside and just outside the apartment who were uncooperative. An adult male was found inside the unit with gunshot wounds. The victim was conscious and alert and also uncooperative. SFD responded and treat the victim who was transported to HMC. Some present stated that the suspect and a woman had been by the unit earlier and left. Later the suspect returned, had a confrontation, and shot the victim. A Bellevue K9 unit responded but determined that they could not deploy the K9. … HMC determined at the time the injuries were non-life threatening.
(WSB photo, October 13)
A week and a half after 53-year-old Oton Garcia Ruiz was shot and killed at the Shree’s Truck Stop gas station in southeast West Seattle, police are releasing photos of a man they say was “involved in” the killing, and asking for help identifying him. Via SPD Blotter:
Seattle police detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male involved in a homicide last week.
On October 13th at 8:01 p.m., patrol officers responded to a shooting at Shree’s Truck Stop, 7801 Detroit Avenue Southwest. The shooter fired into the crowded gas station with disregard to any of the patrons.
Police located a 53-year-old male victim who was sitting in his car, waiting to fill it up with gas. He sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
Homicide and Crime Scene Investigations detectives processed the crime scene. Detectives captured images from video footage of a man involved in the homicide.
He is of average height and weight with dark colored hair and mustache with a connected goatee. He was last seen wearing a pink polo shirt, New York Yankees baseball cap with a light blue bill and closure (snapback), dark jeans, and light-colored shoes.
If anyone has information regarding his identity, please call the Seattle Police Homicide tip line at 206-233-5000. You can remain anonymous.
BURGLARY ARREST: This is unfolding right now on Puget Ridge – police have arrested a suspect after a reported home burglary in the 1500 block of SW Brandon.
BUSINESS BURGLARY: We heard a bit of this on police radio last night and followed up today. Here’s the summary we obtained:
On October 21 at about 11:16 p.m., Seattle police responded to a business in the 3600 block of West Marginal Way Southwest for the report of a burglary. A motion alarm was tripped at the business and a security surveillance employee saw armed suspects cutting through a fence, trying to break into the business and going in and out of cars. The alarm company also relayed initial information. The suspects were seen fleeing the scene in an SUV and car. Officers spotted what appeared to be one of the cars involved and activated lights and sirens. The car took off on Delridge Way Southwest at high speeds and then went eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge. A pursuit was authorized, but it was terminated in the area of 4th Avenue South and South Brandon Street. None of the vehicles involved were apprehended. The business itself suffered some damage to an exterior door, but it did not appear the suspects gained access beyond a stairwell. At this time, it is not believed anything is missing or stolen.
If you have any information, the incident # is 24-299339.
Two reader reports:
STOLEN PICKUP TRUCK: Sent by B:
My buddy’s 2002 black Dodge Ram 2500 extended-cab 4×4 truck was stolen in Arbor Heights this morning. It has a Cummins diesel and a unique exhaust (little louder then stock) and license plate WA: 2FISHON – could be in Seattle, Burien, King County, or anywhere.
No police report # yet; will add when we get it.
FOUND BICYCLE: This was spotted in Westwood today by someone suspecting it was stolen and abandoned:
Yours? Email us and we’ll connect you.
A reader called this morning with news that Jones Barbeque at 4417 Fauntleroy Way SW appeared to have been broken into. The restaurant confirms it via social media. They’re open but not accepting cash – just credit/debit.
Seen Megan‘s car?
2004 silver Subaru Outback Limited was stolen from the Highland Park neighborhood, early Friday morning 10/18/24. WA license BJB7995. Last seen (after it was stolen) near Henderson/Barton between 17th/18th Ave SW, also spotted in Westwood Village. Rims appeared to have been spray-painted black. SPD report # 2024-295705.
Call 911 if you find it.
TUESDAY UPDATE: Megan found it – see her comment below.
Multiple calls to 911 – plus a texter – reported suspected gunfire in North Delridge, and police have confirmed it – “multiple casings” found at 29th/Brandon, officers just told dispatch. No word of injuries or damage so far. They’re blocking Brandon while they investigate.
The report was sent by Robert:
My Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Black E-Bike was stolen last night from out in front of 4100 SW Alaska St. The bike rack is located on 41st Ave near the corner of Alaska – right by Swedish Family Medicine. The person who stole it cut my ABUS lock.
The initial police report # is T00014213.
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN SUV: The photo and report are from Adrianna, who says her Tahoe was taken in the Westwood area:
2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
Gold in color
Stock rims
Plate: BZS4166
Police report 24-291574
Call 911 if you find it.
BIN OF KIDS’ STUFF, GUN SAFE STOLEN: Sarah emailed to report a visitor discovered his “truck was broken into last night, parked near Fairmount Park on 40th Ave SW. His gun (which was in a locked safe) and a black Costco rubber bin with a bright yellow lid was stolen. He’s particularly heartbroken about the bin as it had all of his kids’ clothing, stuffies, Legos in it (they are in the midst of moving). I’m hoping someone dumped it as it was quite heavy.”
SPEAKING OF SAFES: Another reader reports finding this one:
Any business missing its safe? Probably dumped sometime late Sun./Mon. Was found in alley between 17th and 18th Aves SW- close to Trenton St.
If it might be yours, refer to SPD incident 24-294196.
Late today, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced initial charges filed against two of the teenage suspects arrested last week in connection with what investigators said was a prolific robbery rampage. The one adult suspect, 18-year-old John Bailey-Johnson of Renton, is charged with robbery, motor-vehicle theft, and unlawful gun possession. The first two charges are in relation to the Bellevue carjacking that preceded the arrests; the third charge is because he’s a convicted felon and can’t legally have a gun. (The one police say they found had been stolen from Kent, and they say Bailey-Johnson was trying to bury it while hiding from police during a search/foot pursuit in Auburn.) Here’s what’s described as his “arrest photo,” from the charging documents:
He is now jailed in lieu of $350,000 bail – higher than the $100,000 initially set last week – and is due in court for arraignment on October 28. The other suspect charged is a 16-year-old, against whom the KCPAO filed two counts of first-degree robbery and one count of unlawful gun possession (because he’s underage). The charges against him stem primarily from a Circle K holdup east of downtown Seattle on October 4. He remains in secure juvenile detention pending his arraignment hearing, set for tomorrow. Prosecutors stress that these charges resulted from what were just the first cases referred to them by police. Here’s more info and context from KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney:
As noted last Friday, in large investigations it is not uncommon for police to refer some cases initially, and then they may refer additional cases later. Prosecutors can make charging decisions on the individual cases if/when prosecutors receive them. It takes significant time for police investigators to work cases and to meet the statewide legal requirements for admissible evidence. Police can refer cases and King County prosecutors can make charging decisions anytime within the statute of limitations. If additional cases are referred to our office, King County prosecutors will address the cases with urgency and review each case individually.
What about the others arrested? McNerthney recaps Friday’s details about a 15-year-old suspect:
There was a 15-year-old arrested last week on a warrant for a previous case that he is on supervision for. In August 2024, that teen was sentenced through traditional prosecution for Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission in the Second Degree and Robbery in the Second Degree and was granted a suspended disposition alternative by the Court, as authorized by law. When the 15-year-old did not follow his court-ordered terms, King County prosecutors made a motion for a bench warrant on August 22, 2024. The 15-year-old was arrested Thursday on that warrant. At an Oct. 11 hearing, King County prosecutors asked for the Court to hold him in custody, and the Court held him in custody after hearing from both sides. (There is not a bail amount set in juvenile court – it’s either in or out of custody) The next hearing in that case is 10/23 at the Clark Child and Family Justice Center.
Investigators said they had identified another juvenile suspect, but McNerthney says no case for that suspect has been referred, yet. We also don’t yet have any additional information about the locations of all the robberies to which investigators think these suspects might be linked – just the map from Friday’s story showing three incident locations in West Seattle, one of which we know was the September 30th Highland Park 7-11 robbery attempt with gunfire.
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