West Seattle, Washington
30 Wednesday
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, we*************@***il.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.
je*************@*****le.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.
When we last checked in on Ryan Cox, the 40-year-old repeat offender arrested after a man was stabbed in Gatewood last August, he had been ordered sent to Western State Hospital for an attempt at restoring competency to stand trial. Today, a King County Superior Court judge formally found Cox competent, an assessment that doctors at the state hospital had reached while he was there. According to the evaluation document that’s in the public court files, they diagnosed Cox with unspecified psychosis, while finding him in full understanding of the charges he faces and capable of assisting in his own defense. For his part, the evaluation says, Cox told them he “played crazy to come here” because he prefers WSH to county jail. It’s not the first time he has said that; we covered a Municipal Court hearing eight years ago in which he said that to his lawyer and then basically asked the judge if she could send him there ASAP. This was the first time in five years he had been to that hospital, according to court records. Aside from his time there, he has been in the King County Jail since his arrest, bail set at $150,000, awaiting trial on second-degree assault. Now that the competency issue has been resolved, his next case-scheduling hearing is set for July 26th.
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ABOUT THAT PURSUIT: We got several messages about a law-enforcement pursuit on NB 35th SW this morning; via scanner, we then heard that it was King County Sheriff’s Office and that it had been terminated. Before we could inquire further, we got a tip about a sizable presence at the park-and-ride on Roxbury across from Holy Family. Once we arrived there – with one officer left on scene (photo above, a Burien Police – who contract with KCSO – vehicle) – we found out the two situations were related. KCSO was pursuing someone who was both driving erratically and who had plates that didn’t match the vehicle. The driver seemed to be pulling over on Roxbury – then hit an unmarked KCSO car and took off again. At some point on NB 35th, KCSO stopped the pursuit. No arrest last we heard and no other details so far. Thanks again for the tips – best way to get us is always 206-293-6302, 24/7, text or voice.
From the inbox:
STOLEN DIRT BIKE: The photo is from Danyell:
She reports, “My husband’s dirt bike was stolen right outside our front door, in Admiral.” Plate 2F8098. Call 911 if you see it.
FOUND BICYCLE: From the “likely stolen and dumped” file – the photo is from Nancy:
She writes, “Anyone missing a Jr Viper Diamondback bike, green and white? Found between SW Dakota and SW Adams on 30th.”
Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
EARLY MORNING ALLEY ARSON: Thanks to Patrick for the photo and tip that an early-morning fire callout near California/Raymond was arson.
We confirmed that tonight with SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley, who tells WSB via an e-mail response, “Investigators confirmed two recycle bins and one garbage bin were set on fire, along with two rolls of toilet paper inside a porta potty. These all occurred in an alleyway. Total estimated loss for all bins combined is $500. Case referred to SPD for followup.” Earlier in the morning, SFD responded to a dumpster fire at Westwood Village but Tinsley says that was not believed to be related.
WINDOW WARNING: From Lindsay, reporting a burglary in the Highland Park area last night:
The burglars got in the house via a semi=open window that was accidentally left open. With the weather so hot, I thought it might be good if you could broadcast a PSA reminding folks that burglars look for open windows and doors. I would really hate for anyone else to be affected in this way.
We start this morning’s West Seattle Crime Watch report with an update on the Admiral assault case:
KIERRA WARD FOUND NOT COMPETENT: At a Thursday hearing, a judge ordered Admiral attack defendant Kierra Ward sent to Western State Hospital for up to 90 days for treatment that will attempt to restore competency so she can stand trial. A recent evaluation (ordered last month) found Ward incompetent, deemed to have untreated schizophrenia. She has been jailed in lieu of $400,000 bail since she was arrested last October and charged with stabbing an Admiral woman who was out for a walk with her baby. With the new order in the case, the next hearing is scheduled for late September.
Also in Crime Watch, two reader reports:
HIT-RUN: From Creek, whose wife was hit in a multiple-vehicle crash on the West Seattle Bridge: “Vehicular assault, hit and run on the West Seattle Bridge early (Thursday) afternoon. Multiple cars damaged. White box truck. Last seen in Admiral Junction area. White male, 40-50 years old, long blondish hair, no shirt, short/thin build, khaki shorts. Call the police immediately if you have any info.”
CAR PROWL: From Derek: “(Wednesday) night someone car prowled and ransacked a trailer, box truck and multiple vehicles at our business property located at 5405 West Marginal Way SW.”
From Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner, another one of the occasional notifications that a Level 3 sex offender has moved into the area:
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 registered sex offender that has recently moved into a Southwest Precinct neighborhood.
Peter Schulte, a 69-year-old white male, is a level 3 registered sex offender who has recently moved to the 2700 block of California Ave SW in Seattle and is no longer under Department of Corrections supervision.
Detective Spong from the Seattle Police Department’s Sex Offender Detail is responsible for checking on this offender and verifying his address as long as he is residing there.
To learn more about this offender and to see his photo, please visit the King County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender website and search by their name. [Editor’s note: Here’s a direct link to the page with his photo.] You will also find personal safety tips and resources on this site.
If you have further questions about this offender, contact Michelle McRae of the Seattle Police Sex Offender Detail at 206-684-5581 or e-mail at mi************@*****le.gov.
To register to receive an email alert whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired addresses, go to this link.
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.
Keelan Malone was back in court today, almost two weeks after the 26-year-old was charged with burglary and indecent liberties in a mid-June burglary/sexual-assault incident near 13th and Roxbury. The court documents from the hearing reveal two actions of note: First, Malone wanted to dismiss his defense lawyer, but the judge said no. Second, a motion was granted for his competency to be evaluated, and the documents say it will be done at Western State Hospital. Meantime, he remains jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail.
(Sunday morning fire, photo sent by David)
The man who police say told them he started a fire in his West Seattle Junction apartment Sunday morning is now charged. One count of first-degree reckless burning was filed today against 31-year-old Andrew D. Morales, and his bail was raised to $125,000, half what prosecutors requested. In the charging document, they note, “Although the defendant has no apparent Washington criminal history, he has a notable arrest and conviction history in New Jersey, including felony convictions in 2007 for Felony Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement and Felony Possession CDS /Analog – Schedule I, II, III.” (In NJ law, CDS = Controlled Dangerous Substance.) Otherwise, the charging document has the same narrative we reported after Morales’s bail hearing Monday, that he told firefighters and police he had set the fire because there were “snipers” in his apartment and that he believed doing so had saved others from them.
Christopher reports his dark green 1998 Honda Civic, four-door, license plate BEC6072, was stolen from the Montridge Arms apartments at 20th/Henderson. He adds, “I did get a flat tire yesterday, so the vehicle has a doughnut on the right rear wheel.” If you see it, call 911.
12:48 PM: From Katie – yet another stolen car to watch for: A silver 1996 Honda Civic sedan, taken near 31st/Roxbury early this morning. Plate AWC3683. Katie adds, “There is an ‘island girl’ decal on the back window of the car that should make it recognizable.” If you see it, call 911.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE: It’s been found, as noted in a comment. We’ll include the followup in our next Crime Watch roundup.
(WSB photo from February)
The suspect in February’s South Park murder of a 16-year-old boy was arrested in the area where it happened. That’s part of what we’ve learned from the probable-cause documents made public this morning in connection with 27-year-old Juan J. Macias‘s bail hearing. As we noted in the report on his arrest, he was already wanted on a $250,000 warrant after being charged in June with assaulting his girlfriend. The new documents say officers saw him Saturday evening at the Chevron station on 14th Avenue S. in South Park – same one in our photo, above, from the night of the shooting – and recognized him from a bulletin about that warrant. He was in the driver’s seat of a red Impala that they discovered had been stolen in Kent; the report says its engine was running and that officers found two “large fixed-blade knives” and two hatchets in the car. It does not say what led police to identify Macias as a suspect in the murder, but attributes that description to detectives. He is due back in court tomorrow afternoon, by which time there may be a charging decision in the case. Meantime, he’s being held in lieu of $2,250,000 bail.
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