West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
MINI-MART HIT AGAIN: The police Twitter log shows a commercial burglary early this morning in the 4000 block of California SW, and Casey says neighbors report it was the gas station/mini-mart at California/Andover, again, just two weeks after the last break-in. Items stolen reportedly included thousands of dollars in cigarettes.
REPEAT OFFENDER BACK IN JAIL: Last week, repeat offender Bryan Tiedeman posted bond and got out of jail after five months; he is awaiting trial on four counts of possessing stolen vehicles. Today, according to scanner traffic, he was caught back at or near his former residence in Fauntleroy, and he turned up on the jail register a few hours later, held for alleged criminal trespass. Court documents for the case on which Tiedeman is awaiting trial call him a “prolific auto thief” and say he is a “serial reckless driver when being sought by the police,” adding that police once asked him why, and he told them that “he didn’t like being in stolen vehicles.” The December arrest that put him in jail was in South Delridge; the four stolen vehicles involved in the charges were taken from Admiral, Highland Park, The Junction, and Renton.
P.S. Got neighborhood crime/safety concerns? Your next chance to hear from and talk with local police is Tuesday, 6:30 pm, when the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meets at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster).
6:01 PM: Thanks to SDOT for the image: A Seattle Police/State Patrol response has two lanes blocked on the westbound West Seattle Bridge. According to what we heard via scanner, a state trooper had someone at gunpoint, and called for backup. SPD responded (you might have seen multiple cars headed full code through West Seattle). We don’t know the circumstances of the arrest or what preceded it, but everything is reported to be under control now.
6:35 PM: The scene has cleared to the shoulder, so no lanes blocked any more, per SDOT. Meantime, WSP Trooper Rick Johnson just called us after we asked what this was all about. He said a trooper “on his way to work at the ferry terminal” tried to pull over the driver, a woman, for reasons as yet unknown, and she refused to stop – so he saw what Johnson called a “perfect opportunity” for a PIT maneuver – Pursuit Intervention Technique, which causes the pursued vehicle to lose control and spin to a stop. He subsequently took the driver into custody; an ambulance was called to check her out because at the very least, Johnson explains, that gives the driver a jolt. She’ll eventually be booked into jail.
Seattle Police went public this afternoon with four photos of suspects they say are wanted in a robbery spree this week that included a West Seattle holdup:
Police say the Avalon 7-11 was robbed around 3 am, one of six holdups in and out of Seattle in a two and a half hour time frame, and that not only do they believe these four suspects were linked to all of them, but also that they committed two robberies on May 16th. They are described as:
… four black males, ranging in age from 16 to early twenties. All of the suspects had their faces partially covered either by masks or hooded sweatshirts that were drawn tight. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun. At this point there is no suspect vehicle description. The images below are from the Seattle robberies on May 16th.
If anyone recognizes any of the suspects … or has any information on these crimes, please contact the Seattle Police Robbery Unit at (206) 684-5535.
The Avalon 7-11 robbery is the only one mentioned by SPD as having happened in West Seattle, and there are no further details so far.
While Rasmus and his wife were sleeping, somebody broke into their home near Fairmount Park, and he says police told them they weren’t the only ones hit:
We discovered someone had opened our sliding back door and targeted iOS devices. They also took my wife’s purse and wallet (w/ ID, medication, etc). They left bigger things (like TV) behind, and it looks like they were in and out very quickly.
The officer who arrived to take our statement told us it looks like several places may have been hit along Fauntleroy Way. He also said more people might discover it later in the day, because the burglars didn’t break anything and only went for smaller items.
We suspect it happened some time between 5:30 and 6 am, because we both heard some noises around that time, but thought it was the upstairs neighbor.
If you have any info, the SPD incident # is 2018-177832. Looking at Tweets by Beat, we see one other report in the system already, about two blocks south. (Remember that the time stamp on most of SPD’s automated tweets reflect when the report appeared in the system, not when the incident actually happened.)
Two reader reports to start off the day in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN BLUE CIVIC: Yolina‘s car was stolen near 24th SW and SW Holden. It’s a blue four-door 1998 Honda Civic, plates AOT1713. If you see it, call 911.
DUMPED AND LIKELY STOLEN: From Jonathan:
I woke up this morning to find that someone had dumped a handbag and some other personal items at my curb. I have attached a photo in the off chance it can find its way back to its rightful owner.
I’m located at 49th and Stevens.
P.S. – CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL TONIGHT: Got a neighborhood crime concern? Or a question for police? Tonight’s your chance to bring it up with them in person at the monthly West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster), all welcome.
We think the cats are OK – but Barbara‘s car is gone:
This morning my car wasn’t in its spot at Tracy Ann Apartments on Murray Ave. ’92 Honda Accord, dark red and reported missing around 7 am. If seen please contact 406 599 6185.
But first, call 911. P.S. Barbara’s car has Montana plates.
TUESDAY UPDATE: Barbara says the car has been found.
Checking the court files, followups on two people whose cases we’ve been following:
GREGORY THOMPSON: Since last we checked on Thompson in late April, the Puget Ridge man police say was found with drugs and guns, he’s gotten out of jail again – and been booked back in again. After his April 23rd arrest on warrants, he got out on May 5th. Then on May 9th, he was arrested again – not just in connection with the previous cases, but also related to a new charge: Possession of a stolen vehicle. Court documents say surveillance video links Thompson to a vehicle reported here on WSB after it was stolen – a red F-250 pickup truck – and that a WSB reader found it parked in front of a house in Westwood. Thompson’s in jail in lieu of $125,000 bail.
KIERRA WARD: The defendant in last October’s Admiral stabbing attack has another new court date. Today Ward’s trial-readiness hearing was postponed again, this time to June 8th, because of ongoing trial preparations. Ward has been in jail in lieu of $400,000 bail since the day she was arrested, after a mother was stabbed while out for a walk with her baby.
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN CAR: From Amy:
My son’s car was stolen on 24th & Holden sometime between 10 pm yesterday and 2 pm today (Thursday 5/10). Blue/green color, 4-door 2000 Honda Civic. License plate AVS9683. Cracked windshield and dented rear bumper. It’s been reported to police and he hopes to recover it, as sentimental-value items were in the trunk. If spotted, please call 911.
SPD incident # 2018-167234.
STOLEN BICYCLE: From Dawn:
Yet again another Cannondale bike was stolen from behind my apartment building. This is the 3rd one ! The U Lock was cut off. I’m getting tired of these thieves in our neighborhood. This is my only means of transportation. We are not allowed to bring our bikes into the building, so I invested in a U-Lock and it didn’t stop the thief or thieves from stealing it. It is a black Cannondale, with the writing Beast from the East on the frame. Please call Dawn @ 206-422-3785. Thank you.
STOLEN PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS: From Fred:
My car was broken into (Tuesday) night in the 1600 block of California Ave SW. Window smashed and black suitcase full of percussion instruments (bells, guiro, claves, drumsticks) stolen. There’s a slight chance that the thief dumped it somewhere once he or she realized that there was nothing of value, and I’d love to have it back. I have reported this information to the police.
P.S. Your next chance to check in with local police is next Tuesday, May 15th, 7 pm, when the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meets at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster). Special guest will be talking about transportation safety – SDOT’s Jim Curtin.
2:02 PM: Two days after West Seattle’s first homicide of 2018, no arrest yet in the shooting death of 44-year-old Lorenzo Marr at WS Stadium. That’s according to Seattle Police; we talked with Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis before he spoke to today’s West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting at The Kenney. He said the belief that it wasn’t random is the newest information on the case, and they are continuing to look for a silver Toyota Camry – sightings reported so far have not panned out. Mr. Marr was identified publicly by friends and family last night as they launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover funeral costs. According to the Rainier Beach Track Club – one of two community-center track clubs (along with High Point) there for a meet on Tuesday night – Mr. Marr was a club dad. The shooting happened about 7:30 pm Tuesday in the stadium parking lot; the victim, who police say was shot multiple times, was rushed to Harborview Medical Center but could not be saved. (Photo: Lorenzo Marr Memorial Fund page)
ADDED 3:49 PM: From Seattle Parks this afternoon:
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is deeply saddened by the events that took place on May 8 outside of West Seattle stadium during an SPR youth track meet. Our thoughts are with the families, children, and staff who were present at the stadium.
We are grateful to staff and parents who quickly responded to keep children and families safe and sheltered. Johnnie Williams, Luwam Ogube and Brieah Marino as well as other staff, acted heroically and we cannot thank them enough for their quick judgement and bravery.
We have scheduled a Community Healing Circle with Reverend Harriett Walden on Saturday, May 12 from 10 am-1 pm at Rainier Community Center (Gym #2). We invite all those seeking support to attend.
We are canceling the Lowell Barry track meet that was scheduled for Saturday, May 12.
City Championship track meets will take place on Monday and Tuesday, May 14 & May 15 at Chief Sealth HS Stadium. Monday’s meet is for ages 7-10, and begins at 5:30 pm. Tuesday’s meet is for ages 11-18, and begins at 5:30 pm.
We have reached out to Seattle Police Department to request their presence at both championship meets.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, the families and children who were participating, and the SPR staff and volunteers who run the track and field program. Again, we are incredibly grateful to our staff who quickly reacted to keep our kids and families safe during this event, and we will be considering how to offer active shooter training for all youth athletic coaches, volunteers, and staff.
From Chelsea, who hopes you can help find her 1997 red Subaru Impreza, plates BGX7941:
My car was stolen from in front of my house (Luna Park area) last night between the hours of 10 pm and 9 am. I would appreciate all the help possible in locating it because I do rely heavily on my car. I know the power of the West Seattle Community and I would really appreciate the help and support.
She adds that her car has many bumper stickers plus prayer beads hanging from the rear-view mirror and “a tear over the back right tire next to the gas cap.” If you see it, call 911. (Added: SPD incident # 18-163305.)
@westseattleblog shooting at west seattle stadium, initial police response pic.twitter.com/Xd1DYnkyNt
— Kate Jesse (@KRJESSE) May 9, 2018
(Video of police arriving, tweeted by Kate)
7:47 PM: Police and fire are converging on West Seattle Stadium for what is logged as a “scenes of violence” response (we had just confirmed yesterday, that’s the new name for what used to be “assault with weapons”). No word yet on the circumstances – scanner indicates at least one person is being sought – we’re on our way to find out more.
(Texted photo)
7:50 PM: Per scanner, at least one witness says shots were fired and then a male in a red hoodie and gray pants took off.
7:58 PM: Also per scanner, a gray Toyota Camry with hood damage might be linked to this. There is a victim who’s being taken to the hospital.
8:06 PM: Police are “shutting down the lower lot,” they’ve said via radio, while the investigation continues. And we should take a moment to say thanks for all the tips and photos.
8:09 PM: SPD says the victim is an “adult male shot several times, rushed to HMC with life-threatening injuries.” Commenters are saying the event at the stadium when this happened was a Seattle Parks track meet.
8:17 PM: Also note that 35th NB is down to one lane by the stadium, with the entrance blocked off, our crew reports. The investigation is concentrated on the west end of the stadium.
8:27 PM: Detectives continue talking with people at the stadium/golf course. No update on victim or suspect so far.
8:49 PM: We’re continuing to await someone who is authorized to brief media. Meantime, a commenter/witness is first to offer an account of what may have preceded the shooting.
9:16 PM: Seattle PD’s on-call public information officer Det. Mark Jamieson tells us he’s on his way to the scene so we should have an update before too long – our crew is still there.
10:01 PM: Police tell us that the victim has died. More from the briefing shortly. (added) Our crew says Det. Jamieson actually had little else to say – nothing about circumstances, no description details. (We’ll add full video of his briefing once it’s uploaded.) They checked out a tip about a possible sighting of a car like the one described early on but it didn’t pan out. If you have any information about the killer, call 911.
10:36 PM: Just listened to the briefing while it’s uploading. Three other things: Det. Jamieson said the victim was a man in his 40s. The shooting happened in the parking lot. Also, the reason they don’t have a good description of the suspect yet is that they are dealing with “conflicting reports.”
11:11 PM: Video added above. Also: This is West Seattle’s first homicide case of 2018. The last one was the deadly shooting of 25-year-old Edixon Velasquez outside his Westwood home last September. Two suspects in that case remain in jail, awaiting trial.
ADDED 8:50 AM: Lots to follow up on today, of course, but for starters, we went by the stadium this morning, and it has reopened; police completed their work at the scene overnight.
9:11 AM: Also, we are pointed to a Facebook post that confirms something we were told last night but couldn’t confirm at the time – the Rainier Beach Track Club, one of the participants at the meet, says the victim was the dad of one of their athletes..
1:05 PM: Police have added this update to the SPD Blotter account of last night’s deadly shooting: “Detectives now believe that the victim in last night’s shooting may have been targeted. Detectives are still working to identify additional witnesses. Anyone with information on last night’s incident is urged to contact the Seattle Police Tip Line at 206-233-5000.”
3:50 PM: We sent Seattle Parks a few questions this morning and just got answers this afternoon. Via spokesperson Rachel Schulkin, they confirm that Rainier Beach and High Point athletes were at the meet when this happened. A meet for North Seattle teams that was scheduled for the stadium today will go on as planned. And as mentioned earlier today, the stadium is open in general Also:
In the wake of Tuesday evening’s tragedy, we are working with the Seattle Police Department and community partners to support staff, volunteers, children, and their families during this difficult time. As a result of this tragedy, we are also working to potentially postpone and relocate upcoming track meets to different locations.
7:23 PM: In comments, Shelley shares a GoFundMe link just set up for the family of the victim, who is identified on that page as Lorenzo Marr.
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
HIT-RUN: The photo is from Poy, who says his car – the white one – is undrivable after being hit by somebody in the red one on Harbor Avenue near the 7-11 on Monday. The photo is from his neighbor, who says the two men were seen walking away after the crash. Poy doesn’t know how the other car left the scene – driven away, towed, or … – but if you have any information, here’s the incident #:18-162204.
Now, news of two abandoned (therefore most likely stolen/dumped) bicycles:
FOUND TODAY: The photo and report are from Tom: “I found a bike on my commute home. It was found at the West side of the Low Bridge in West Seattle around 330-345. Police have been called. The bike is currently being watched at Ounces on Delridge. It is a silver Windsor Wellington 4.0.”
FOUND MONDAY: From L: “A BMX-style bike was found over the embankment near Chief Sealth High School. I guess a decent description or the serial number from someone losing a bike would suffice its return. Please call Liz at 206.604.5618. If no one claims it, then it’ll be donated to a good cause.”
(Substituted for our photo of hit-run car, wider view of the scene, by Sue)
12:58 PM: Police have just taken a man into custody after a search along SW Juneau on both sides of Delridge. We caught up with the discussion (thanks to everybody for the tips) in the middle of the search but just checked with SPD media relations to see what it was about: They say it started with a hit-and-run crash in the 5400 block of 26th SW. The suspect has been detained near 23rd and Juneau.
1:03 PM: This is near Louisa Boren STEM K-8; parents are messaging us that the school is/was in “lockdown” as a result, but again, the search is now over. Knowing this was happening near the school, we had a message out to the district asking if any precautions had been taken, but hadn’t heard back.
1:12 PM: Our crew just arrived at STEM and has been told they were sheltering in place but they just got the all-clear from police, so that’s ending.
1:23 PM: Added a photo of the car involved in the hit-run. The suspect, meantime, was going to the hospital via private ambulance.
3:08 PM: STEM K-8 principal Ben Ostrom sent this letter to families:
Dear STEM K-8 Families,
I want to share news of an situation that your student may want to talk about with you. At approximately 12:45 p.m. today, STEM K-8 went into lockdown for approximately 15 minutes.
In response to a car accident north of our school, there was police activity that involved several officers with drawn guns and canine units. To be safe, STEM went into immediate lockdown until we were notified that the suspect had been apprehended. I am proud of how well our students and staff responded, and there was no danger to students or staff.
Thanks.
If you are in the Westwood area and noticing police at Chief Sealth International High School: They’re questioning three students in connection with what was first reported as an assault – another student hit and knocked down near 26th and Thistle – and then changed to a report of “strong-arm robbery” (no weapon). Police spotted someone described as a possible suspect and two companions walking into the school. We went down to find out more; police say they’re still talking to everyone involved to sort it out, and principal Aida Fraser-Hammer tells us school is proceeding normally. We’ll check back with SPD later.
If you try going to 2 Fingers Social in South Delridge tonight, that’s the sign you’ll find. The five-month-old neighborhood bar is closed because of a theft that they believe was the start of a break-in attempt. Early today, someone went under their fence and stole their exterior cameras and cut wires that took out their power and internet. They got the electricity back but not the internet, which means their payment system is interrupted. They believe the thief/thieves were startled/interrupted before actually breaking into the building – nothing besides the cameras is missing. They hope to have the internet connection restored tomorrow so they can reopen. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 18-160932.(Thanks to the person who texted to let us know about this.)
Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
MINI-MART BREAK-IN: Thanks to Casey for the tip, after seeing that obvious sign that something had happened at the California/Andover mini-mart. The Tweets by Beat log confirmed a break-in this morning; police report wouldn’t be available until tomorrow if at all, so we went over to see what we could find out. The person on duty at the mini-mart was too busy to talk much but he confirmed they were burglarized while closed early this morning; the burglar(s) got away with cigarettes and a computer. If you have any information, the police report # is 18-160632.
CARPORT PROWLERS: This happened in an apartment building carport at 42nd/College i North Admiral last Wednesday afternoon, with one person shown clearly “before they tried to cover the camera with tape,” as the sender described it:
The shot through the portion of the lens that subsequently remained uncovered partly shows their car, the sender says, adding that it “appears to be a Subaru or VW with a ‘snorkel’ attachment on the driver’s side. Pretty distinctive car.”
Any info on this? SPD incident #18-156445.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
DUMPED/STOLEN? A reader spotted these items strewn at the Murray Wet Weather Facility across from Lowman Beach this morning and sent the photo:
We can’t guarantee they’re still there but passing along the photo just in case someone recognizes their stuff.
ODD THEFT: Kathryn noted a piece missing from her vehicle:
Someone stole my lower (reflector) from my Jeep parked on the street (Tuesday) night. I park on 42nd Ave SW between Fauntleroy and Graham. There’s no other damage to the vehicle or signs of forced entry. Just annoying!
5:20 PM: In case you’re wondering about the police search in central Delridge, with a K-9 team joining officers in the Delridge/Myrtle vicinity, as well as points east and uphill toward Puget Ridge, here’s what we have found out so far: This started with one man punching another in the face near Home Depot. The victim was taken to the hospital by private ambulance. The suspect is known to the victim. No luck finding him yet.
5:50 PM: Still on the loose.
Thanks for the tip about the response in the 3200 block of SW Avalon Way this past hour – we missed the initial dispatch because the scanner has been jumping with May Day preparations. Went to check it out, and police were leaving, with SFD about to leave too, and only able to tell us that a woman was being transported to the hospital by private ambulance. Next stop, the precinct, where the only note in the system was that it turned out to be a “person in crisis” situation.
Three reader reports and a followup:
TRUCK AND CAR BROKEN INTO: James reports his company truck was broken into Sunday night in Morgan Junction, and that wasn’t all that happened:
Smash and grab, they left the tools but stole the snacks and Bluetooth headphones. Another tenant at our apartment also had her window busted out; only thing taken was a pack of cigarettes. It happened on 42nd Ave SW between Morgan and Holly.
PACKAGE THEFT: Kate reports a package stolen on 46th SW in Seaview between 2 pm and 7 pm Monday.
MORE PAINT VANDALISM: This isn’t even really “tagging,” since it doesn’t seem to be anyone’s signature – after the report we published yesterday, we heard from D., also in Gatewood, whose car was vandalized sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning, also in green paint, this time with the word “booty.”
CAR RECOVERED: Yet another recently stolen Subaru Legacy has been recovered. The one stolen from Alki last week was found in Burien. Its owner reports, “It’s now back home and seems none the worse for wear, but now has new plates.”
Two cases of vandalism vs. cars in West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
WINDOWS SHOT OUT: The photo is from Megan in Highland Park, who reports: “3rd time my car windows have been shot out on 9th Ave SW, in front of my house. So frustrating.”
And in Gatewood…
PAINT VANDALISM: The photo and report are from Charis:
Wanted to share as I am curious if this happened to others last night. Our car (picture) and our neighbors’ cars were tagged last night or early this morning. It was in the Gatewood area (near 39th/Southern). One car was tagged with SUCC. Not sure of the meaning. And if someone does, please share. Just a reminder that neighborhood watch efforts are important (we are thankful for ours).
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From Mitchell:
Friday morning, April 27th at around 5:35 a.m., a man tried getting into my house. He was pushing on the windows and tried to open the sliding glass doors located on the back of my house. I called the police and shortly after I watched the person walk off my property down Fauntleroy SW. Police responded, but said they couldn’t do much as the person did not enter the home and they did not see him in the area.
My home is about a block from Gatewood Elementary on Fauntleroy Way SW. Closest street intersection: SW Mills St. and Fauntleroy Way SW. If you could post a notice to the community, that would be appreciated. Maybe just a note to keep windows and doors locked even as we move into the warmer months.
STOLEN AND DUMPED PURSE? Not far south of there, later in the day on Friday, Tom found potentially stolen/dumped items:
Walking the dog around 5 PM on 4/27 and spotted a purse that appears to have been tossed in the bushes near the corner of SW Cloverdale St and Fauntleroy Pl SW. Contains a pair of shoes, a sports bra, and a receipt. Owner can contact me at TL98136@gmail.com.
We asked Tom if he had taken possession of the items – he went back for them and the jacket/yoga pants in the purse (which he thought might also be a gym bag) were gone, but he has everything else, so if you’re missing something in that area, contact him.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch. First, another stolen Subaru:
STOLEN LEGACY: The photo is from a reader who reports, “Our 1996 green Subaru Legacy sedan was stolen from in front of 3008 Alki Ave SW sometime between 4 pm Thursday and 915 am Friday morning. License is BAL5609. Seattle Police have been advised.” Call 911 if you see it.
ONE NIGHT, TWO CAR PROWLS: The video clips are from early Thursday morning, from Charlie‘s camera in upper Luna Park:
Charlie adds, “Both just checked if our cars were locked and moved on. I have a sneaking suspicion that the first prowler is the same person who we recorded several months ago.”
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