West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
6:03 PM: Thanks for the tips. A police search in Sunrise Heights followed a 2-car crash at 31st and Elmgrove. Readers report one person was taken to the hospital and the other driver bolted, which led to the search.
6:23 PM: We’re in the area. Elmgrove is blocked off, with police cars and crime-scene tape. Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives are here; police confirm one driver was transported to the hospital and the other is being sought.
Police say the car below is the one whose driver was taken to the hospital; they’re looking for the driver of the one above.
They expect Elmgrove will be closed another hour or so.
7:10 PM: Updated which car was which, after neighbors corrected us.
8:17 PM: We asked SFD about the driver taken to the hospital. Tge man’s believed to be in his early 30s and his injuries were not life-threatening.
ORIGINAL MONDAY REPORT: Another stolen vehicle to watch for, this one taken from the garage at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW): “Dodge 1991 D350 white flatbed truck. Black rims, black grille, white exterior, tool/utility boxes underneath and on flatbed. Wooden side panels on flatbed. California plates. Cash reward. Report to police if found; call Jacob at 206-484-9232 with information.”
UPDATE: The truck has been found – apparently spotted by a reader.
From Tim, a stolen-vehicle report: “Gray Toyota 4Runner ’99 SUV. Washington plates 231XWQ. Also: Black brush guard on the front end. Stolen Saturday night, 98th and 17th SW. Please call 911 if you see it!”
RESTAURANT BURGLARY: The manager of El Chupacabra on Alki says a security camera caught this man breaking into their restaurant Thursday morning:
If you think you recognize him, contact police and refer to incident #2018-285377.
GAS THEFT: Amy had an unpleasant surprise Thursday night: “Wanted to report that someone stole all the gas out of my car. I am a water taxi commuter, and had the vehicle parked at Salty’s. Last night I returned to the vehicle late after seeing a movie and noticed my gas light was on and the needle below E. I had filled the 17 gallon tank on July 30th, and had 51 miles on the odometer. Maybe send out a warning to commuters if they don’t have a locking gas cap that this could be a trend.”
And a followup note:
STOLEN VEHICLES FOUND: The two stolen vehicles most recently reported here in Crime Watch have both been found – the Toyota pickup stolen from Delridge was found on Puget Ridge; the Accord stolen in Admiral was found in Skyway.
Reader report, from Ile:
I got out to my car this morning parked at 42nd and Hudson and not only had it been rifled through but they attempted to steal it with a filed-down key. They took the typical stuff like charger cords, a little black bag with some CDs (I hope they like jazz), my Leatherman, my registration and a bunch of stupid stuff from the glove compartment, etc. If you see any of this dumped, please let me know. He or she did take my commemorative Lakewood PD pin I was given some time back which really stings. Oddly enough I did see a white guy in his 20s with a blue backpack, sunglasses, with curly bushy hair under a ball cap walking through the alley looking around suspiciously about two hours after I parked. Please be on the lookout for strange activity.
SPD incident # is 2018-285485.
Another stolen vehicle reported today via e-mail:
White Toyota ’95 Pickup
Montana plates with a bear on it BGU-219
Also: Stickers on the truck include Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Northwest Trail logos
Stolen today at 12 noon, 23rd SW/Willow, close to Home Depot
Call 911 if you see it!
In West Seattle Crime Watch so far today:
STOLEN MAROON ACCORD: Terra hopes you will be on the lookout for her car:
My car was stolen from the open garage/carport in front of our house – (3000 block of) Garlough Ave SW – sometime between 7:00 pm last night (7/31) and 10:00 am this morning (8/1). Maroon 1994 Honda Accord, licence plate AOE 4344, with a KEXP sticker on the rear bumper. Have filed a report with the police. I had hoped keeping it off the street with club on it would protect it, and it worked for a number of years, but I guess my luck finally ran out :(
And while we’re on the topic of auto theft:
PLEA BARGAIN FOR NICHOLAS WATSON: In a routine check of the online files in cases we’re tracking, we discovered that the most-recent cases against 36-year-old repeat offender Nicholas D. Watson have been resolved with a plea bargain. Documents indicate Watson pleaded guilty in two stolen-car cases; the case that resulted after he broke into a house in Upper Morgan was dropped. His sentence, in addition to credit for time he has already spent in jail (roughly 2 1/2 months cumulative in 7 bookings in the past year): Three to six months residential DOSA (Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative), for which he was ordered to report to a treatment facility outside the metro area.
(WSB photo, Saturday)
4:02 PM: The man found shot to death in the 8400 block of 1st Avenue S. in southeast West Seattle on Saturday afternoon was identified today as 30-year-old Micaiah Kotthoff. The King County Medical Examiner says he died from a gunshot wound to the head. Police tell WSB that no one’s been arrested and there’s nothing new to say regarding the investigation; on Saturday, they said that a witness described the vehicle that took off, possibly after dumping the victim, only as “gray.” They also have no new information regarding whether the killing is linked to the non-fatal shooting whose victim turned up outside Arrowhead Gardens later in the day. If you have any information, the SPD tipline is 206-233-5000.
ADDED 4:31 PM: The most recent public record, from May, shows the victim with a Highland Park address.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch today, both involving broken car windows:
WESTCREST PARK: That photo is from K, who says it happened at Westcrest Park Off-Leash Area today and wants to warn others that “someone is there prowling today.” She adds, “They stole shoes and a few other items.”
SEAVIEW: Lori also sent a photo and report, saying someone shattered her car’s rear window Friday night:
“Not sure what they used, but it made a big hole in the side area. We are in 5600 block of 49th Ave SW. Our car is a 1996 white GEO Prizm.”
(WSB photo)
6:03 PM: Now police and fire are at the scene of another shooting incident in southeast West Seattle, with someone found outside the Arrowhead Gardens senior-apartments complex (9200 2nd SW) with what is reported to be a gunshot wound to the arm. No other info yet; we’re headed to that scene.
6:23 PM: As you probably know, this scene is not far from the earlier homicide on 1st Avenue S. Though the victim here does not have life-threatening wounds, a Homicide Unit detective is here, and they will only say they are looking to see whether the two incidents might be related. The victim here, meantime, has two wounds to the arm; he will be taken to the hospital by private (AMR) ambulance.
4:05 PM: Police are investigating a deadly shooting on the southeast edge of West Seattle, in the 8400 block of 1st Avenue South, in the industrial zone on the west side of Highway 509 (map). No other details yet.
4:25 PM: SFD tells us the victim was an “adult male.” Other info will come from SPD, which has sent a public-information officer to talk with media, so we hope for a briefing soon. Meantime, note that 1st Avenue S. is closed on both ends of the investigation zone – on the south (photo above), where the street turns into S. Cloverdale, and on the north, by the Shell station that’s at the 509 exit.
5:16 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Patrick Michaud just briefed media at the scene. He said someone called police to say two men were scuffling; police arrived and found the victim dead. A gray car – no other description – was seen leaving the area. We have the briefing on video and will upload to add here once our crew is back at HQ. (Added – here it is:)
This is West Seattle’s fourth homicide case of the year, after the stabbing deaths of Michael Abay eight days ago in South Delridge and Jonathan Pecina near Luna/Anchor Park in June, and the shooting death of Lorenzo Marr in May at West Seattle Stadium.
11:29 AM: Two WSB commenters mentioned that family and friends of Michael Abay, stabbed to death in South Delridge a little over a week ago, planned a car-wash fundraiser near the scene at 16th SW and SW Cambridge. And now a texter has sent word that it’s under way and that Mr. Abay’s family was setting up a benefit barbecue there too. “I happened to stumble on them as they were setting up. I gave the day’s first donation and they gave me a big hug. Don’t know why it brought me to tears!” said the texter. No arrest reported in the case yet. (Photo from Abay family’s GoFundMe page)
2:04 PM: Another texter says the car wash will continue until 4 pm and sent this photo:
2:54 AM: Police are investigating a shooting, complicated by the fact the victim wasn’t shot at the location where he was found. That location is the Longfellow Creek Apartments (5915 Delridge Way SW), where both SPD and SFD are converging right now. The 28-year-old victim is reported to have (update) two gunshot wounds, back and shoulder, and is reported – according to police-radio communication – to not be telling police where the shooting happened. He’s been taken to Harborview.
12:13 PM: SPD has just published an item about this on its blog-format blotter, and we’ve also obtained the report narrative. Still no arrest; police believe the victim, whose injuries are described as “non-life-threatening,” was dropped off at the apartment complex, where he apparently used to live.
As reported here last week, Ryan Cox has been found competent to stand trial for assault in the Gatewood stabbing case from almost a year ago. After that ruling, he was due back in court today for a case-scheduling hearing, but it was postponed a week. The document in the online file says the postponement is because “parties are finalizing a resolution.” Does that mean a plea bargain? We’ll be checking the file daily. That’s how the last assault case against him ended more than four years ago.
Barry sent this report for West Seattle Crime Watch:
While at work at an outdoor camp for kids, my son’s bike – which he built himself – was stolen. The lock, which was around a telephone pole right on Beach Drive across from the park, was cut in broad daylight around lunchtime today.
Again, this is a bike he that built, with love, himself. It is absolutely heartbreaking to him that he’s lost it to a criminal.
Neighbors, please keep your eyes out for his beloved stolen bike, and don’t trust your bikes to be safe locked up ANYwhere.
We asked which park, and Barry replied, “Me Kwa Mooks Park. The City runs outdoor education called Nature Quest, which is there this week. It was probably stolen between 8:45 and 10 am. They left the cut lock and a (I’m assuming previously stolen) hastily repainted beater bike behind.”
(WSB photo: Part of memorial at stabbing scene)
Across Delridge from the scene of Friday night’s deadly stabbing of 34-year-old Michael Abay, the Southwest Precinct’s second-in-command has just provided a short update on the case. Asked to speak to those gathered for a 34th District State Senate candidates’ forum (separate forum story later), Lt. Steve Strand said police believe Abay was “targeted.” He did not comment on why. He also said that while they haven’t identified a suspect yet, he believes they will. Mr. Abay’s death was the third homicide case of the year in West Seattle and police have described all three as “targeted.”
(WSB photo from Friday night)
3:35 PM: The King County Medical Examiner has just identified the victim of last Friday night’s deadly stabbing in South Delridge as 34-year-old Michael Abay. His cause of death is listed as multiple stab wounds. We also asked Seattle Police for an update on the case, but they have no new information. Police told WSB on Friday night that they received a call about someone lying in the street in the 1600 block of SW Cambridge, and when they arrived, the victim was already dead.
As noted here on Friday night, this was the third homicide of the year in West Seattle, after the May shooting of Lorenzo Marr at West Seattle Stadium and the June stabbing of Jonathan Pecina near Luna/Anchor Park, and no arrests have been reported in those cases either. If you have any information in any of those cases, the SPD Homicide Unit tip line is 206-233-5000.
9:47 PM: In a comment, Marianne shared this crowdfunding link through which Mr. Abay’s family is seeking help with funeral expenses.
(WSB photos)
9:53 PM: Police are converging on the vicinity of 16th and Cambridge, where someone is reported – per radio communication – to have been found stabbed to death. No one’s in custody so far.
10:02 PM: The Guardian One helicopter is joining the search, as is at least one Seattle Police K9 team.
10:11 PM: SFD at the scene confirms to our crew that the victim is dead and male.
10:25 PM: This is the third homicide case of the year in West Seattle, after the June stabbing of Jonathan Pecina on Alki Avenue SW and the May 8th shooting of Lorenzo Marr at West Seattle Stadium. No arrests reported in either of those cases.
10:44 PM: We’ve added photos from the scene. Still no one in custody. We asked police about the circumstances of the original call on this – they say it was phoned in to 911 as someone down in the street, and they arrived before SFD, to discover the person was dead.
SATURDAY MORNING, 9:23 AM: Just saw SW Precinct Operations Lt. Steve Strand in the staging zone for the Grand Parade and asked him if there had been an arrest overnight. Answer: No.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON: A summary is now on SPD Blotter but the only information not already reported here is that the victim was 34 years old. If you have information, you’re asked to call SPD’s tip line at 206-233-5000.
Another stolen car to watch for – from Rich: “Please keep an eye out for a dark green 1997 Nissan Maxima, Washington tag 902 XBT. The vehicle was stolen from SW 99th Street in Arbor Heights last night. The car was recently washed and it is in good condition. Bummer.” Call 911 if you see it
Brien e-mailed to report: “My father’s 2002 VW Jetta TDI, WA plates AEE7595, was stolen from in front of our house last night/early this morning. It is dark blue with a black roof rack container on top. He had golf clubs and a power saw in the car.” This happened in the 3100 block of SW Genesee; call 911 if you see the car:
P.S. Brian, whose Camry – stolen on Alki – was mentioned here yesterday, says it was found today at 15th/Henderson.
All of the following are from the WSB inbox:
PEEPER/FLASHER: A resident near 34th/Cloverdale reports this:
Sunday night at 12:30 after midnight I went to bring my garbage out and there was a man standing by my garbage cans, below my open window. He said something to the effect of, “oh, sorry, I was just taking a leak.” I am certain that is not what he was doing. The police agreed. There was NO reason for him to be all the way up my driveway, beyond all the darkened nooks and crannies on the street, only house on block where someone was still up – just doing dishes with the TV on, essentially at window 1.5 stories up. I had a flasher freak 2 years ago – his “flashing” illuminated by his own flashlight (as it were) while standing on my car bumper/garbage cans so that I could see him. I suspect it is the same cretin pervert.
Police suggested more motion detector lights, perhaps a security camera. Also, don’t leave windows open when retiring for the night. I never leave windows open when sleeping, and police said I never should. Criminals know on these hot nights things can get easier for them.
For what it’s worth, this freak was I’d say 6’-6’2”, medium build, Caucasian, black pants, top & hat.
CREEPER: From Halle:
Just a lookout for a man in a tan pickup truck who followed both myself and a friend home last night. Walking in opposite directions from the Morgan Junction, he followed both of us, pulling over and asking for directions to Alki. After we gave clear directions, he exited his vehicle and followed us both on foot asking for our names and saying that he wanted to “get to know us better.”
I’m not sure who he followed first but we both had the same experience which meant he followed one and then turned his vehicle around and pursued the other. We both made it home safely but the experience was unnerving and people should know that this creeper is following women in his vehicle.
STOLEN RED CAMRY: Brian reports his red “1990 Camry was stolen (last night) from behind Spud Fish and Chips. License 253-ZBX.” Call 911 if you see it.
CARS VANDALIZED: Nore reports of cars vandalized with squiggles in that same green paint we’ve shown before. Most recently, Sara says, “Overnight, someone tagged/vandalized our car parked next to our house.” That happened near 35th/Thistle.
BATTERY THEFT: This happened Wednesday morning near 37th/Webster – the victim described it as a grab-and-run:
Our neighbors saw this car pull over and take something from our yard. A check on the security footage shows it to be the battery for our camper. [Video added]
Neighbors got the license plate number, and we will report it to the police.
This happened 8:30 am with my husband and kids at home.
PACKAGE THEFT: From Heather:
54xx block of Fauntleroy. Second time someone has stolen a package off my front porch. This was a Blue Apron box so all I can hope is they needed the food more then I did and the food is being used to feed hungry children.
We hope you never have anything to send in for West Seattle Crime Watch – but if you do, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!
11:23 PM: A report of gunfire in Westwood has police searching for up to five suspects. Per scanner, they were most recently reported to have fled behind the 35th/Barton 7-11 southbound and then westbound. A K-9 team is joining the search. The person reported to have fired one shot is described as a young “light-skinned black male” wearing a “sparkly red jacket.” No injuries reported.
11:29 PM: The gunshot reportedly happened near the Southwest Library (35th/Henderson). Also, the Guardian One helicopter is joining the search.
11:35 PM: Per radio communication, this involved someone “chasing (the suspects) with a two-by-four” when one “turned around and shot at” that person.
11:49 PM: The search is scaling down; they’ve exhausted the possibilities and there are other pending calls.
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: We have obtained the report narrative from SPD. The person who said he was fired at told police that he was chasing the suspects because they had assaulted his girlfriend. He said the two of them are squatting in an empty house in the 9000 block of 35th SW. She was walking in the alley and around the 34th/Barton P-Patch, looking for cigarette butts, when she encountered the suspects. One asked her for cigarettes; she said she had none and was looking for them herself. Then, the boyfriend told police, the suspects called her names, punched her in the face, knocked her down, and kicked her. She screamed for help; her boyfriend went to the house where they were squatting, got a 2 x 4, and chased the suspects after calling 911. That’s when one turned and shot at him, he said, as they were running southbound behind the 35th/Barton 7-11. He said he lost track of them at that point. While he insisted that’s where the shot was fired, police did not find a shell casing nor any other evidence of gunfire. Nearby residents also said they heard the shot. As we reported last night, helicopter and K9 assisted in the subsequent search, but no one was found.
That’s free for you to borrow and use … just in case. Southwest Precinct Crime-Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner explains:
Due to a continued increase in burglaries over the last few months- the SW Precinct would like to remind our community members that you can rent a professional engraver from the SW Precinct for free!
These engravers allow you to mark your property (such as tools, bicycles and electronics) with an identifying number- such as your Driver’s License number. Then if/when your items are stolen- you are able to report to law enforcement that it was marked. These markings assist the Seattle Police Department in getting recovered property back to victims, as well as aid with investigations.
If you are interested in renting an engraver- please stop by the SW Precinct (2300 SW Webster St.) and speak with the desk officer. Remember the SW Precinct is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Please also keep in mind that I, as your SW Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, offer free residential and commercial safety/security assessments! Contact me directly for more information and for scheduling.
jennifer.danner@seattle.gov is the best way to reach her. Meantime, whether you choose to borrow/use the engraver or not, she also recommends you keep a home inventory – here’s a template that can help.
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