West Seattle, Washington
28 Monday
Another case of someone throwing rock(s) through a business window – but this one happened while the business was open and customers were inside. Andria sent the photo and report:
Our moms group met up at Whisky West last night around 7:15, and shortly after a young guy came up to the bar and started baseball pitching bricks and big rocks through the windows. We all had to crawl and shelter behind the bar until it stopped. He was then chased my samaritans across the street where he was pictured diving into an open window in the round apartments. Police came and surrounded the building until they finally found and arrested him. Everyone was ok inside the bar, except a girl who sprained her ankle jumping over a railing to take cover.
After getting her report, we requested the police narrative. It confirms that the suspect was arrested, found in the Cal-Mor Circle apartment into which he “dove.” We haven’t been able to find out more about his current status yet. The report says three rocks were thrown. The officer who wrote the report added, “Several witnesses were reportedly injured as a result of this incident. One such witness … advised that she thought somebody was firing a weapon into the restaurant when she tried to seek shelter by diving off of a platform and over a banister. … reported a right ankle injury and SFD was notified. She was treated and released at the scene. Additional witnesses were sitting near the window when it was shattered and reported having glass in their faces but those witnesses left the scene prior to me confirming which witness sustained what injury.”
ADDED TUESDAY: As noted in comments, the suspect is 18 years old and remains in jail.
Carmen is hoping you can help find her friend Eric‘s motorcycle, stolen from 47th/Alaska this morning:
This bike holds deep sentimental value; he’s spent over a decade building it.
Features California VIN on left down tube. If removed there will be two small holes for pop rivets. Norton motor and the pipes are upswept, one on each side. The gas tank says TRIUMPH, Joe Hunt magneto.
If found or seen please call or text the owner or myself ASAP, 206-923-2234 or 206-617-1682
And, call 911.
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:
STOLEN CAR TOP: From Christopher:
On the early hours of September 7, a person or group smashed the window of my car, unlocked it, and stole the convertible hard top off of my car. This is a discontinued and rare Honda S2000 OEM hard top in white.
If you or anybody you know knows something about this, please let me know. Similarly, if you see any white convertible Honda S2000 hard tops for sale in white, it is almost definitely stolen. Please report it to the police and me.
Description of parts involved – OEM Convertible Hard Top for a Honda S2000, Color: White with black trim.
This happened near the 3400 block of Walnut Ave SW. Police report is filed and pending a case number.
STOLEN BICYCLE: From Tom:
My bicycle was taken from the bike rack in front of the Jefferson Square Safeway at 9:10 am yesterday (Friday, Sept. 7th). Witnesses observed a white male, approx. 5’9″, wearing white T-shirt, light blue jeans, and light-colored baseball cap, hopping on the bike and riding southbound on 41st Ave SW at SW Edmunds. Bike is an S-Works brand Roubaix model, all black.
SPD has witness reports and surveillance video of the theft and the suspect. Would appreciate any information anyone might have. Am offering a significant reward for recovery of the intact bike. No questions asked. Contact Tom at 206-399-2002 or em*****@***oo.com
HIT-RUN: Megan is looking for witnesses:
(Thursday) I was rear ended on the West Seattle bridge going easy just before the 99 north exit at 8:30am. The person who rear ended me stopped to see if I was ok and agreed to pull to the side but then drove off. No witnesses stopped but I assume that is because it looked like information was shared. Any witnesses? My car had to be towed and I was injured, so any support would be greatly appreciated.
Police report is 19-331583.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports:
STOLEN 4RUNNER: From Josh:
My red ‘86 4Runner was found to be stolen this morning at 7am. It was parked in the Seaview area 4600 block between Raymond and Juneau. Last seen around 2:30am.
Lic #BAL5663
Has a celebrate diversity bumper sticker on back bumper, the bumper is also dented.
Back window has a Rogue Community College parking pass sticker on it.
Drivers side back seat window has a Dutch Brothers sticker in the form of fingers peace sign ✌️
Front bumper, drivers side is missing the black plastic bumper cap.
Top of truck is sun bleached to white.
Call 911 if you see it. (Friday Update) See comments – found!
STORE ARRESTS: From an SPD Blotter report about arrests made during “retail theft emphasis” operations, this one at Home Depot on Delridge:
(Wednesday afternoon) officers arrested two people for theft and recovered a loaded handgun from one of the suspects. Police searched the 35-year-old woman and found the weapon stashed in her purse. Police booked the woman and her accomplice, a 39-year-old man, into King County Jail.
1:56 PM: Sizable emergency response arriving (updated) in the 6400 block of 31st SW in High Point, where a woman is reported to have been stabbed. Police say they’re looking for a female suspect. No other information about the circumstances yet.
2:02 PM: The victim, described in radio communication as a pregnant woman, is being taken to Harborview Medical Center by SFD medic unit.
2:05 PM: Also via radio communication, police report they are talking with someone described as a suspect.
2:15 PM: At the scene, SFD confirms the victim is a pregnant woman, adding that she’s in her 20s and the wound is not believed to be life-threatening. The suspect, police confirmed to us, is in custody.
11:02 AM: Catherine hopes you’ll be on the lookout for her sister’s stolen car: “2011 black BMW, license plate BNB7599.” We have a followup question out asking what neighborhood it was taken from; meantime, if you see it, call 911.
11:12 AM: Adding this incident just emailed by Denny:
I was woken up this morning around 4:45 am to someone loudly banging on my front door. I knew something wasn’t right so I grabbed my firearm and looked out the peephole. It was some guy who was obviously drunk or high and I yelled at him to go away. He proceeded to try and open my door which was locked and kept rambling to himself and hanging out just outside my door. Every few secs he would try my doorknob and open my door. During this time I had 911 on the line and officers were dispatched. SPD arrived within 2-3 mins and ended up arresting the individual who also had warrants out for his arrest. Huge thanks to SPD and the Southwest Precinct. Remember to lock your doors at night! This happened on 41st Ave. between SW Edmunds St. & SW Hudson St. Incident # 19-331389.
Description of person involved – Hair: Black, Top: Denver Broncos #23 Jersey/Shirt, Bottom: Blue Jeans, Shoes: don’t know, Age: mid 20s-mid 30s, Build: average, Race: Black, Sex: Male, Other details: Was also wearing a dark blue Mariners hat.
In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight, two reader reports:
PURSE SNATCHER PURSUED: Earlier this evening, a texter reported seeing “several adults pursuing several teens” in The Junction. We were unable to find out what it was about – until this report that just arrived, from Lynda:
I wanted to give a HUGE shoutout to the local community to help retrieve my purse after it had been snatched this evening around 6:15 PM.
I was sitting at the Lodge with friends next to the window and a teenager grabbed my purse off of my chair. There was a group of 4 teenaged, black men in hooded sweatshirts with their pants hanging below their waists loitering in front of the Lodge. I turned my back for one second and one of them grabbed my purse which was hanging on my chair on the INSIDE of the restaurant furthest from the window. I immediately jumped out of my chair, through the window onto Alaska, and gave chase. I screamed as loud as I could for anyone to stop the (*&#@&*&^%$$ with my red purse. I didn’t realize it at the time, but everyone on California came to my aid. People were literally jumping out of windows and running down the street to help me catch this POS and get my purse back. I swear, it was like something out of ‘Starsky and Hutch’…LOVED IT! Well, I loved it in hindsight.
Thank you to EVERYONE for helping me, as I truly felt helpless running down the middle of California in my flip flops screaming. I want to give a special shout out to the man and his son that ultimately forced the thief to toss my purse. This man was/is total bada** and I believe the thief knew he was done at this point. I also want to REALLY thank the staff at the Lodge, there were at least 4 staff personnel that ran after the thief alongside me. They were truly intent on getting the thief and they went above and beyond the call of duty … thanks Tita and staff!
Also tonight:
STOLEN CAR? This has been in a local parking lot for two days, keys in the ignition, we’re told:
Police notification to come but in the meantime, if it happens to be yours, let us know.
From police reports filed over the holiday weekend:
SUNDAY: Another garage break-in and bicycle theft. It happened sometime Saturday in the 2700 block of SW Holden. The owner noticed at 8:30 pm that his 2019 Specialized Tarmac Sport Disc bicycle – dark gray and neon yellow with a bottle cage on the back of the seat – was missing. No evidence or damage, and nothing else taken.
MONDAY: A resident in the 4000 block of 45th SW reported that someone had broken into her house via a sliding-glass door left unlocked while she was outside. Items reported taken included two cameras and two boxes of custom-made greeting cards.
Via Twitter, @DuePNW pointed out that HistoryLink is noting the 60th anniversary of a West Seattle murder that remains unsolved to this day: The bomb that killed Pearl Kongsle on September 2, 1959. The case has remained open all these years; three years ago, we featured Mark Jaroslaw‘s video spotlighting an SPD “cold case” detective who was making one last try as he got ready to retire:
Dateline West Seattle: The coldest Cold Case from JaroslawMedia on Vimeo.
The site where this happened, at 46th/Othello, is planned for redevelopment.
Police have found at least one shell casing, according to radio communication, while investigating reports of gunfire heard on Puget Ridge. They briefly closed SW Dawson at/near 18th for the investigation but just announced it’s reopening. One person near 19th/Brandon tells us they “heard what sounded like 5 rapid gunshots.” No reports of anyone being injured..
From KC near the north end of Lincoln Park, this incident from right after her arrival home very early this morning:
I exited an Uber 20 or so feet from my door and as I was walking up I noticed a dark vehicle (resembled a 4-door Camry but I am not sure) driving down Lincoln Park Way toward Lowman Beach Park stop and turn slowly around in a U-turn fashion. I at first thought they must be a neighbor returning to my building as it appeared they were waiting for me to walk out of their way so they could pull into a spot, but they finished the turn and drove up the hill, I believe. I had stopped paying full attention by that time, but I did get a strange feeling. Whoever was driving or riding in the vehicle would’ve been able to get a good look at me.
I entered my house and was on my phone for a few minutes. The blinds were drawn but all lights were on in my unit and this would be very evident from the outside. This is one reason why I think this was not necessarily a burglary attempt but something creepier. Basically why would a random burglar try to get into one of the only residences with lights on? Less than 5 minutes after returning I heard crunching leaves outside my window. I walked closer and crouched behind my TV where I wouldn’t be visible and listened. I thought it was possibly a raccoon at first until I heard a man’s very heavy breathing. The footsteps stopped by my open window and the breathing continued. There is a lattice fence and foliage that blocked this from view if anyone were to look. I said very firmly “get the f$&k away” and immediately he retreated, in a very calm and quiet manner. His footsteps didn’t sound startled, he walked away quietly. I was on the line with 911 by this time stating my address and the circumstances (I dialed immediately after demanding he leave) I then heard a car door open and close very quietly close to my unit. My intuition unfortunately tells me the car I saw and this man were likely not coincidental. I should mention, however, I didn’t see anyone, I just heard them.
I’m still a bit shaken up, and just wanted to alert others to be extra vigilant with windows, locking doors, just being extra aware as they are coming back to and leaving home. Hopefully this is completely random, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to mention, especially if something similar has happened recently and just wasn’t reported.
The incident number is 19-326111.
Two more reader reports of car prowls, starting with one in which someone else’s stuff was left behind:
ARBOR HEIGHTS: From Morgan:
Someone broke into my car last night in Arbor Heights (police report filed) and, in addition to stealing a bag of items to go to Goodwill, left us a stereo faceplate and bike. I’d love to reunite these items with their owners, if possible. Stereo faceplate is a Kenwood; bike is a metallic blue Magna.
If one or both of those might be yours, contact us.
MORGAN JUNCTION: From Ranny: “I would like to report a car prowl in my vehicle on the night of August 28th. I was parked on SW Graham St and California Ave, pretty close to the main road. No windows were bashed in, but petty change and an Apple cord was stolen. Please be careful!”
Three more West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
GARAGE BREAK-IN #1: Just texted:
Our garage was broken into this evening on SW Bradford St (near 55th SW; map). I pulled up and I thought it was an Amazon delivery. It was a newer model, very clean bright cherry red Chevy smaller truck. It was a white male and white woman. The woman ran from the garage carrying a brand new generator from our garage – nobody was harmed, police were called. There was much stuff in the back of their truck.
GARAGE BREAK-IN #2 & BICYCLE THEFT: From Laura – “Last night our locked garage was broken into. A black Fuji bicycle, circa 2013 or so, was taken. Sorry, no pic available. We are at SW Barton and 22nd Ave SW [map]. Lots of recent car prowls here also.”
AND ANOTHER CAR PROWL: From Eric:
I would like to report a car prowl in the Morgan Junction, on 40th and Morgan [map] last Sunday. I must have forgotten to lock my truck, and when I got in my truck Monday AM someone had been through everything and stole my sunglasses and jumper cables. They also tried to get into the back of my truck (I have a canopy). I filed a police report today.
Anecdotally – judging by the reader reports we’re getting – seems like a busy week for car prowlers. Two more reports start this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup:
IN SEAVIEW: From D: “We’ve had 3 nights of car prowlers on 46th Ave between Graham and Raymond. We just had a block meeting with neighbors but wanted to give a shout out to other neighbors who might be next.”
VIA TEXT: Received this morning:
Thought I’d say I live in the 7300 block of 16th Ave SW; my car was had almost everything missing, taken when I left to go to work, just now realized. :( so sad, it’s just an old piece of dirt car with all my work items … among other things (that) got taken.
MAIL THEFT: From Michelle:
We live on 20th Ave SW between Thistle and Elmgrove. (Tuesday) night, someone figured out a way to pry open our sturdy locking mailbox. They stole a small package containing a new watch my father-in-law mailed to my husband. Other mail was stolen including birthday cards for our son. We called the non-emergency line and a policeman came out pretty quickly.
We usually pick up mail daily but missed Tuesday. This is the third time we’ve had mail stolen and thought the locking mailbox would deter thieves. The last time this happened, the police recovered our mail from the home of a woman they arrested for stealing identities and committing other fraud. It was a
painful process to restore identity.
Michelle says they’ve “started researching secure mailboxes and security cameras.”
11:16 AM: Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
CAR PROWLS: From Debbie:
Last night (1:55 am) was a pretty active night in our neighborhood. We heard car of young men go through, a loud bang that we thought was a window breaking; but have no description of car or occupants. There is evidence they were in cars from 37th & Cloverdale to 39th & Thistle, hitting Sullivan Street between 37th & 39th as well. They took a set of golf clubs out of one car & tossed them along a one-block path.
BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From Matt:
Our doorbell camera caught this woman trying to break into our house (Tuesday) in the Alaska Junction. The door was locked so all that she got away with was a watering can and a plant from our deck.
ADDED 11:52 AM: One more report that just came in:
STOLEN BICYCLE: From Jake near California/Holly:
Want to give my neighbors a heads up – my locked bicycle was stolen out of our backyard early Tuesday AM (8/27). Particularly unnerving because it was very much out of sight within a fenced yard. I feel we were cased as the thief had to bring in some serious bolt cutters to cut the locking cable. Please be on the lookout for a metallic green TREK Mountain bike with twin black saddlebag/ panniers and rear rack.
The results of the newest annual Seattle Public Safety Survey – conducted by Seattle University for SPD – are out. Top concerns of respondents are listed citywide, by precinct, and by “microcommunity” (aka neighborhood with a community group that has participated in development of policing plans). Here are the Southwest Precinct-area highlights:
The survey summary says 706 people in the Southwest Precinct area – West Seattle and South Park – completed the survey; demographically, the summary notes, “Compared to Seattle demographics, survey respondents [from this precinct area] were disproportionately more likely to be non-minority and female.” The report summarizes:
The top public safety concerns for the Southwest Precinct are Car Prowls, Lack of Police Capacity, Property Crime- General, Residential Burglary, and Auto Theft.
Southwest Precinct slightly differs from the citywide top public safety concerns, which were Car Prowls, Lack of Police Capacity, Homelessness, Property Crime, and Residential Burglary; for residents in the Southwest Precinct, Auto Theft was a top public safety concern over Homelessness, which was a top public safety concern in the citywide findings.
The most prominent themes residents in the Southwest Precinct commented on in their narrative responses were Lack of Police Capacity, Homelessness is a Public Safety, and Public Health Issue, Crime- Public Order, Crime- Property, and Crime- Traffic/Pedestrian/Bike/Transit. In comparison with the citywide themes, which were Homelessness, Lack of Police Capacity, Public Order Crime, Property Crime, and Police being Prevented from Doing their Job, themes prioritized by residents in the Southwest Precinct were Crime- Traffic/Pedestrian/Bike/Transit, which was a concern over the citywide theme (that) police are being prevented from doing their jobs. At the micro-community level, top public safety concerns, prominent themes, and perceptions of public safety are similar to the precinct as a whole. However, some micro-communities differ from the others (e.g. unsafe driving/speeding in Alki, littering/dumping and gang activity in South Park).
You can read the entire report here.
Just sent by Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner, another of the occasional notifications that a Level 3 sex offender has moved into a local neighborhood:
In an effort to keep you informed, and in our constant attempts to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know about one level 3 sex offender that has recently moved into a Southwest Precinct neighborhood.
Joaquin Garcia, a 38 year old Hispanic Male, is a level 3 registered sex offender who has recently moved to the 1800 Block of SW Dawson St. Mr. Garcia is currently under Department of Corrections supervision.
To learn more about this offender and for additional safety tips please visit the website at www.waspc.org and search by his name. [Editor’s note: Here’s a direct link to the page with his photo and background information.]
To register to receive an email alert whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired addresses, go to this website.
Level 3 sex offenders pose the highest risk to re-offend. It is normal to feel upset, angry and worried about a registered sex offender living in your community. The Community Notification Act of 1990 requires sex offenders to register in the community where they live. The law also allows local law enforcement to make the public aware about Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Since these offenders have completed their sentences, they are free to live where they wish. Experts believe sex offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of harassment. Any actions taken against the listed sex offenders could result in arrest and prosecution as it is against the law to use this information in any way to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders. The SPD Sex offender detectives will check on these offenders every 3 months to verify our information.
The single most effective means of protecting your child is communication with your child. They have to feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you. Teach your children that they should not be asked to touch anyone in the bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those areas. Teach them types of situations to avoid. It is not good enough to tell a child to avoid strangers. Please remember that children are most often molested by someone they or their parents know.
Other questions? This FAQ might help.
(Saturday photo, sent by Kenneth)
We found out more today about a case of line-cutting that led to an arrest on the Fauntleroy ferry dock Saturday afternoon. WSF spokesperson Ian Sterling says it started around 2 pm with someone who got cut off reacting very intensely. A third person a few cars back, according to the police report, drew a gun to try to defuse the situation. That didn’t really help. A tollbooth attendant called police, and ultimately the person who drew the gun was arrested; the line-cutter apparently left the scene. No injuries reported; the ferry at the dock at the time was slightly delayed because the captain opted to hold off until everything was sorted out. Sterling tells us that August is peak time for line-cutting complaints, which have been on the rise in general – the state’s special hotline for ferry-line cutting had 2,000 calls in 2017, 2,400 last year, and is on pace to likely exceed that this year. Mukilteo and Edmonds generally bring in the most complaints – for example, 39 last August in Fauntleroy, compared to about 200 in Mukilteo. You can report line-cutting to 877-764-HERO – it’s a $139 fine.
P.S. Back to Saturday’s case – records show the 68-year-old man was arrested for investigation of “use of a weapon to intimidate,” and that after two days in jail, he’s being released today.
The photos and report are from Stanley:
I had both of my motorcycles stolen from my secure parking spot in the Element 42 Apartment building, 2641 42nd Ave SW. I am a tenant there. Incident number 2019 – 315455
The theft happened August 18, 2:45 AM. At 2:07 AM, a man in a black and white Helly Hanson hoodie approaches the front door (Person 1). He goes to work with a pry bar. He gains entry by 2:12:19
2:13 AM, Person 1 forces entry into the first floor south hallway next to the office. This is that last I saw of Person 1.
2:45:25 AM, two men are seen leaving the garage with my motorcycles. I don’t think that Person 1 is either of these individuals. The guy in black on my Harley has different shoes than Person 1. The person pushing my dirtbike appears to be of a slighter build than Person 1, but they could be the same person, I just don’t know.
I think Person 1 has two tool bags with him. He has what is possible a Bellevue High duffel bag under his right arm, and he appears to have something on like a backpack under his hoodie. I think this because of his big humpie back in image “Capture 2”.
Stolen:
2006 Harley Davidson FXDWGI – Dyna Wide Glide, Yellow
2017 KTM 500 EXC-F, Orange
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
STOLEN SCOOTER: From Garrett:
Make/model: 2018 Honda Metropolitan
Color: Dark blue body, beige seat
License: 9F5337It was stolen from the 3500 block of Walnut Ave SW.
Call 911 if you see it.
MAIL THEFT: Jim reports this happened last night in the 3500 block of SW 100th:
Our mailbox (which is a locking mailbox- see attached) was pried open with some sort of a tool (screwdriver I assume?) and our mail was stolen. Our neighbors said they heard a commotion around 3am and saw an SUV pull up and then pull away a minute or two later. It looks like they attempted to hit several of the mailboxes in the cluster of mailboxes (and items were taken from mailboxes that do not have locking mechanisms.)
The neighbor also reported that he saw the person/persons walking up to doors of the homes in the area to see if they were locked. I guess it all happened so quickly he did not have time to call the police.
In the last 3 months, our car (in an off-street carport) was broken into as well and several items were taken.
A hit-run crash in Morgan Junction back on Tuesday led to this message from Heather:
I wanted to give a huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful people who came to my aid after a car accident on 8/20 on California Ave and Graham. Within a few seconds of the crash, I had around 20 people holding my hand, comforting me, helping me in any way they could. It was absolutely amazing and I am truly overwhelmed by your kindness and care. This incident, while it hurt my body and my car, brought comfort to my heart and increased my love for the WS community. Thank you for all you did for me. It means more than you know.
Also, if anyone knows where the it and run driver is, please contact me. It was a 2000’s model Toyota Camry, maroon, with heavy front-end damage. He left the scene at high speed and turned west on to Fauntleroy toward the ferry dock. I’m hoping a camera might have picked up a license plate number. If you have any info, please email me at hl**********@***il.com
Thank you!
Police incident # is 19-309656.
A reader sent that photo of a bicycle abandoned in the City View neighborhood. Yours? Let us know and we will connect you.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
SCOOTER STOLEN: From Ann:
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS SCOOTER? DO YOU KNOW WHO THE THIEF IS? PLEASE CONTACT POLICE.
Stolen right out of the locked garage @ West Water condos, 6900 block of California Avenue SW, sometime in the late hours of Monday evening 8/19 to early morning 8/20.
Mini Sport Scooter
Make: ZLMI
Model: ROMA 150
Year: 2014
Color: Green with Black trim
HOME BURGLARIZED: A reader west of The Junction reports, “We had a break-in at our home (Wednesday) during the daytime. Appears to have removed screen on open backyard window. Trashed the bedroom and bathroom, taking money and a few bottles of prescription medication.”
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