Another auto theft in North Admiral – Heather says it’s one of three crimes overnight near California SW and SW Hill:

This morning 2 cars in a apartment parking lot were ransacked. Nothing of value was stolen (that I’m aware of. I only know what was taken out of my car).

My boyfriend’s 1997 Honda Accord [photo above] was also stolen from the side street (Hill St). License #AGV3163.

If you see it, call 911.

In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight, two cars:

STOLEN CAR: Carrianne says this happened in North Admiral, 47th SW between Walker and Hill: “Our car was stolen, we believe, in the early morning hours on December 27th. We were out of town until today and upon returning home noticed our car missing. It’s a silver 2004 Hyundai Elantra 4D. License plate AVJ5560 (Washington). If spotted, please call 911. Thank you.”

VANDALIZED CAR: Just in case you know whose this is – Debra sent the photo and report:

“This has been at Yancy next to West Seattle Health Club for a week. Window now bashed in.”

(UPDATED late Tuesday night with new info from bike’s owner)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 1:20 PM MONDAY: Terry‘s cargo bike is one of a kind, essential to mobility with a disability – and now it’s gone. Can you help find it?

I custom fabricated an electric-assist large, long cargo bike to aid in mobility since I have a disability in my lower left leg. I spent the day yesterday, January 1st, with friends who live on Alki Ave SW near El Chupacabra (2620 Alki Ave SW), leaving my bike outside using a friend’s lock. Friend unlocked my bike around 5 pm when he thought I was leaving; however, it was closer to 6 pm when I went to leave, and my bike, the extra battery, and the charger were all gone from where I had it. … My hope is to get more eyes out on the lookout for this hard-to-miss, essential mode of mobility and transportation, custom cargo bike!

Terry says a police report is filed and they are awaiting the incident number – we’ll update this to add that when available.

UPDATE, TUESDAY NIGHT: Terry says the bike’s been found and was NOT stolen after all: “Apparently there was no malice nor crime committed regarding my cargo bike. A friend placed it in a safe place and I was made aware today.. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience and any aspersions cast in West Seattle’s direction regarding crime.”

The photos are from Alysia, who says a hit-run driver damaged both their cars near 31st SW/SW Holden early today [map]. A neighbor heard it happen around 2:30 am and “saw the car struggling to get away,” describing it as a green van.

“They left a bunch of debris and their hubcap behind. Please keep an eye out for a green van with a significant amount of damage to the front right. Any info would be appreciated!” If you have information to report to Seattle Police, it’s incident #17-0340.

Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning, starting with this followup:

CHRISTMAS MORNING INCIDENT WAS STABBING, NOT SHOOTING: In the first hour of Christmas Day, we reported briefly on someone found at the Junction 7-11 with what medics initially described – in transmissions monitored via scanner – as two gunshot wounds. We were finally able to get followup information just now from Seattle Police. The report says it was eventually determined that the victim, 17 years old, had been stabbed, not shot. The original call was a report of a suspicious person outside the store, appearing high or drunk, “staring up at the sky.” The officer started talking to him, noticed blood on his hands, asked about it, and the response was that he punches walls when he gets mad. His hands, however, didn’t look injured; the officer then noticed the teen’s clothes were bloody, and eventually the victim lifted his shirt and the officer saw his wounds and called Seattle Fire. The victim overall was uncooperative, police say, including identifying himself with a name that actually was that of his brother. That name came up with a felony arrest warrant – and so did the victim – so he was going to be booked into juvenile detention once out of the hospital. How – and even where – he got stabbed remains a mystery; the 7-11 clerk said the victim had been in the store for a while about half an hour earlier and he didn’t notice anything wrong.

STOLEN SKATEBOARD: Kevin reports his son’s Christmas present was stolen “right in front of him” last night at Jack Block Park – this skateboard:

He sat his longboard down and walked over to his cousin. A car pulled up and a young man jumped out, grabbed his board and sped away. Two males, early twenties. Older white American sedan. The board is brand new and is made by Omen. If you know of a guy that has recently come into possession of a similar board…please let me know. 206-650-2214.

From Admiral to Arbor Heights, four reports from the WSB inbox:

PACKAGE THEFT: Erika reports that this happened about 11:45 am today in the Fairmount Park area:

Please be on the lookout for a white, late model Tahoe or like-looking SUV. The driver-side back window was covered with a black tarp/plastic. The driver was white, male, ~30 yo, short/balding hair; I think he was wearing a dark jacket & white t-shirt. The passenger was white, female ~30 yo, dark, curly shoulder-length hair. Please call the police if you see this vehicle.

CHRISTMAS CAR PROWL: Melissa says this happened in Admiral last Sunday:

We had our car rummaged through early Christmas morning on 41st and Lander. No broken glass (must have accidentally left car unlocked) – nothing major stolen, just an emergency kit, a CD set and some snow chains. As far as we know, no one else on the street had their cars broken into.

IT HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT: A Delridge resident reports:

We live on SW 18th. My husband and I got home from dinner with our family (Sunday night) around 8 and found two strange cars parked in front of our house. Two men were sitting in the first car, (a green Jetta plate # AWG19–) with no lights on and this seemed odd so we went inside but watched from our house as they began smoking something off of tin foil through glass pipes. My husband went back outside and got license plate numbers for both cars and I called 911. I could clearly see them continuing to light up in the car while we waited for the police. One man got out and drove away in the second car, a dark blue sports car (plate number ANU3933) and drove off. The Jetta then backed into our car and drove away just as police arrived.

In a second note, the resident said the second car was listed by SPD as stolen. Then on Monday night, she says, “the guy came back in a different stolen car” (this one). They again called 911, but the man/car left before police arrived.

VANDAL IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: This happened Monday night:

I live in the Arbor Heights area. My husband left in our car, and shortly thereafter there came a knock on the door. I looked out and saw a man, probably in his early to mid-30s, with long curly hair and a ski cap. I did not open the door and asked him what he wanted. He said that his “GPS” was wrong; he was looking for his aunt’s house. He left on foot, and as he walked up my driveway he intentionally damaged one of our Christmas decorations. I ran up the driveway to see where he was going, and he turned around and saw me, and started back toward me. I ran into the house and called my husband, who returned home immediately. We saw him walk by our house again a few minutes later. I have called the police. Because he turned around and started back toward me, I feel that this guy is up to no good.

Following up on one of the incidents we covered right before Christmas weekend:

Three suspects remain in jail in connection with what happened at the Junction 7-11 last Thursday night, and probable-cause documents say they are the ones who told police where they were.

The suspects are a 29-year-old Puget Ridge man, a 30-year-old Rainier Valley man, and a 33-year-old Delridge man.

Police first responded to a report of a fight at the store, and were told the people involved had left in a white car. The 53-year-old man on duty at the 7-11 told police he recognized them as previous shoplifters and told them to leave, but they didn’t. They picked up “several items,” he said, and walked toward the door, which he was blocking. They became argumentative, he said, then he and they went outside, where, he told police, they started hitting and kicking him, knocking him down, and leaving him with cuts and bruises on his face. He said they also stole his phone and about $100 cash he had in his pocket, and a witness told police they had hit his car as they left in theirs.

Meantime, the 30-year-old called 911 to report the incident, saying he was near the Bank of America at 41st and Alaska and wanted to talk to police. Officers found all three men there. The 30-year-old claimed the clerk had assaulted them, and that the phone theft was a mistake. The 33-year-old told police he had just gone into the store to use the ATM and that he had a job and didn’t need to steal.

All three were arrested, in part because of identification from a witness. They’re all being held for investigation of robbery and due back in court tomorrow afternoon, by which time we might find out about charges; the 33- and 30-year-old suspects’ bail is set at $10,000, while the 29-year-old is being held in lieu of $7,500 bail.

(SIDE NOTE: We have not yet been able to obtain the report on another incident at the same location, a man found outside the store early Sunday with gunshot wounds, but will continue trying tomorrow.)

12:58 AM: Seattle Police and Fire are outside the California/Erskine/Edmunds 7-11 in The Junction, where a 19-year-old man was found with what are described over the air as two gunshot wounds to the chest. Scanner traffic says they’re not sure yet what happened or when, as the victim is described as intoxicated and so they’re having trouble communicating with him. SFD Medic 32 is taking him to Harborview Medical Center.

1:19 AM: No word of an arrest, or suspect description, so far.

If you have family/friends visiting via vehicle, please remind them not to leave anything in the car, as thieves don’t seem to take time off for the holiday:

CAR PROWLS: From Lea – “Riverview neighborhood had multiple smash and grab car prowls” on Thursday night. No further details. Also, from Mariya near 28th SW/SW Nevada, “Our truck got broken into (Thursday) night for the 3rd time. We park on the street and never leave anything of value inside. We’ve filed police reports every time. One time they stole the sifter gear knob and now they’ve stolen our radio. They must have a key to the truck because they never break windows, just let themselves in.”

PACKAGE THEFTS: From David and Adam, “Multiple packages stolen from 8600 block of Fauntleroy Way SW on Thursday.” And Elton says a neighbor reported packages stolen from their townhouses around California/Hinds on Friday.

Hoping for a Silent Night tonight. If not … we’re at 206-293-6302, text or voice.

(WSB photo)

That’s the scene we found at the Junction 7-11 (California/Erskine) after we headed there to check out scanner traffic about a possible robbery. Police there told us that it was a case of a shoplifter turning violent (which escalates the crime from theft to robbery); Seattle Fire and AMR ambulance crews were there checking out the clerk who was injured in the process. Police told us they have a suspect in custody.

The photo and report are from Emily:

Car Stolen in North Admiral, Tuesday after 10:00 PM.

Red Honda CR-V 1998, License plate: 921ZXB

The car may have Colorado State Parking sticker on front windshield.

If you see it, call 911 (and then let us know!).

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

ANOTHER HIT-AND-RUN: An SDOT crew was out at 47th and Admiral today after an early-morning hit-and-run. A texter told us an “older red pickup,” apparently with only the driver inside, hit two parked cars and some of the Alki Mail and Dispatch outdoor furniture. The street sign was hit too, which is why SDOT had some work to do. No injuries reported. If you have any information, this is SPD case 2016-456757.

PACKAGE THEFTS: Erika wants you to know that “there’s been a huge string of thefts in the Fairmount neighborhood over package deliveries over Friday and Saturday. A group of us have filed a police report, but just thought you might want to put out a PSA to the West Seattle area to remind people to check their tracking and to support your neighbors in watching out for suspicious activity.”

CAR PROWLS: From Harry in the 6300 block of California SW:

Wanted to report a car prowling that occurred at my place of residence Sunday to Monday evening.

Sometime between 11:00 PM Sunday (December 18th) night and 7:00 AM, my car was broken into. No windows were smashed, but the thief was able to access my vehicle. I’m not sure how they got in, as I definitely locked my car the last time I had used it. I remember very specifically locking it.

The car was ransacked, with the loose change taken from the side door. The glove box was open as well as the center console, and things were scattered all over the car.

The trunk had been opened, and one bag was missing. While the bag didn’t contain a lot of things, it contained two pairs of dance shoes (jazz, tap) as well as a portable sound bar. All told, the value of the items were approximately about $250.

Later that day, I found out from my good friends and neighbors that their car, in the same covered parking lot, had also been burglarized. They found inside their car my dance towel as well as a T-shirt. From my neighbor’s car, a similar situation — the car was ransacked. Most items were left, but a coat was taken.

Curiously, the thief seemed to have left behind their bike on the ground. It’s still there.

I wanted to let people to know to be extra vigilant, lock your doors, double-check them, and report any suspicious activity.

Regarding the bicycle – police say many if not most stolen bicycles are just used by criminals to get from one point to another. So if you see one abandoned, chances are good it was stolen.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

More than half a year after the State Court of Appeals heard arguments in the appeal of Lovett “Cid” Chambers‘ manslaughter conviction for a deadly shooting outside a West Seattle bar, its ruling is in: The court says the verdict stands.

Chambers (right), now 72, was charged with murder after shooting and killing 36-year-old “Travis” Hood (left) on January 12, 2012, in a confrontation with Hood and another man after all three had been at the now-closed Feedback Lounge in Morgan Junction. Chambers said it was a matter of self-defense, alleging that Hood had been about to swing a shovel at him alongside the park north of the bar, and that he and his friend had hurled racial slurs at Chambers.

In April 2014, after a six-week trial that we covered start to finish, a King County Superior Court jury found Chambers guilty of the lesser crime of manslaughter. He was subsequently sentenced to 11 1/2 years, with credit for the two-plus years he had served by then.

The appeals-court document summarizes the decision as follows:

Chambers contends the evidence does not support the decision to instruct the jury on the lesser included offense of manslaughter in the first degree and the court erred in denying his motion to suppress evidence seized from his home and statements he made after his arrest. Chambers also claims he is entitled to reversal because he was denied his right to counsel during the videotaped deposition of a witness and prosecutorial misconduct during closing argument denied him of the right to a fair trial.

Viewed in the light most favorable to the State, the evidence supports the decision to give the lesser included manslaughter instruction. We conclude the court erred in denying the motion to suppress evidence seized from the house. The warrantless entry and protective sweep … was not justified under Maryland v. Buie … but the error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Because the unchallenged findings support the conclusion that the police “scrupulously honored” the right to remain silent under Michigan v. Moslev. … and the record shows Chambers was not deprived of his right to counsel or a fair trial, we affirm [the verdict].

The “prosecutorial misconduct” allegation was perhaps the most contentious of the appeal. Chambers’ lawyer argued that Hood and his friend were racists “trying to commit a hate crime” against Chambers; the prosecutor argued that the defense was trying to “pander” to the jury’s “prejudices” by making the case “about race,” and the defense took issue with that. The appeals court said “the challenged remarks were a fair response to the defense closing argument and did not impugn the integrity of defense counsel.”

Here’s the full decision; it is dated this past Monday, and we just happened onto it while making a periodic check of the files this afternoon. Next we’ll be seeking to find out if Chambers plans to challenge the ruling.

The latest reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

AUTO THEFT IN LA FITNESS/SPRUCE GARAGE: A parking garage frequently reported for car prowls has had a car theft. Vanessa reports “a black 2003 BMW 325i with light tan leather interior, license plate # ACN5667, was stolen between 11:30 am-12:30 pm on Monday (December 19th) from the WS LA Fitness parking lot” (in Spruce at 39th SW/Fauntleroy/Alaska). If you see it, call 911.

Next – more hit-runs in search of witnesses (and if you haven’t seen our 16th/Thistle followup, read it here):

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE HIT-RUN #1: This happened to Laura early Monday:

A soft-topped white Jeep Wrangler hit me head-on around midnight 12/19 on the West Seattle Bridge eastbound onramp (Spokane St). The driver fled the scene but had some damage to his car. My car is totalled. If anyone has seen this car, information would be greatly appreciated.

Contact SPD and refer to incident 16-454229.

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE HIT-RUN #2: And we learned via a comment this morning that the bridge crash covered in our Monday morning traffic reports was also hit-run. The driver of the car that wound up facing the wrong way writes:

Luckily, I’m ok, but I was aggressively rear ended by another car that fled the scene for reasons I am unaware. Unfortunately not one person that may have witnessed the crash stayed behind to provide any information on the car that hit me and took off. I find it very hard to believe that no one saw this incident happen. I didn’t get a good look at the car since it happened so fast, but it looked like a light-colored SUV or truck. From the damage it did to my back end I assume it was a larger vehicle.

If you know something, call SPD and refer to incident 16-454467.

CAR PROWL: From Dan:

My car got broken into at Edge Apartments last night, 30th and Genesee. Nothing of value inside the car but they emptied out the glove box and center console and smoked a bunch of cigarettes inside.

GRAFFITI VANDALISM: Yes, it’s worth reporting to police. That’s what Ann did, and she let us know too after she spotted new graffiti vandalism: “On December 18th, 4800 block of Delridge on garage and fence in the alley.” Painting it over ASAP is great if it’s on your property – but take a photo first so you can include that with the report.

Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch reports so your neighbors all around the peninsula know more about what’s happening – we hope crime will NOT happen to you, but if it does, once you’ve reported it to police (911 if it’s happening now or just happened), let us know … 206-293-6302 if breaking, editor@westseattleblog.com if not — thank you.

Three reader reports:

BURGLARY ATTEMPT: Cozbi on SW Dakota north of The Junction says this happened around 7 tonight:

Heard footsteps of person walking up to front door (I could hear them lingering and breathing heavy once onto the stoop. The peephole was open and you could see into the movie we were watching; lights on in the house and all.) They opened screen door and we heard/saw them messing with door handle but door was locked. They closed the screen door and then, seemingly, body slammed the door two maybe three times. Then I heard them grunt a little and walk down the steps leaving.

Police was called and a report filed when they paid a visit to check it all out. They assume attempted burglary. Seemed very odd for a prank and we have no enemies. Wood screen door is all cracked and broken.

Lock your doors! Keep your eyes open and report even odd occurrences if they are out of place!

GARAGE INTRUDER: From Andrew:

A couple of days ago, we had a random guy tailed a neighbor and drove into our condo garage. He spent 20 to 30 mins wondering around the garage looking for things to steal and used to break into cars. But before he could break into any cars, I walked into the garage and surprised him. I confronted him and he gave me some excuses about visiting someone in the building. None of the information he provided made sense as the unit number and name he gave doesn’t exist in our building. After a few minutes, he backed his car out of the garage and took off. I am hoping by sharing this with you, people in West Seattle can keep an eye out for this dude as he’s pretty brave or stupid for driving his car into our garage in the middle of the day. Below are some grainy pictures of him and a description of him and his car.

The break-in 12/13 @ 3:29 pm to 4:08 pm
Silver Nissan Altima 2007 to 2012 with tinted windows
License plate # ATN26–
No front plate but had a white sign with “car sales” sign and is missing the Nissan emblem on the front grill.

The guy was white, around 5’9 to 6’0 tall, medium build with facial hair. Brownish hair. Wearing a black parka-type jacket with a black baseball cap.

FOUND BIKE: The unsigned report says, “While out walking our dog, my daughter and I found a Trek Antelope 820 mountain bike deep in the thorny bushes at the fish ladder overlook, above the Fauntleroy ferry.” Here’s the photo:

Still there at last report.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

One of those incidents in which someone fires a gun – not hitting anyone, but scaring nearby people who flood 911 with calls – is about to send someone to prison.

The repeat offender arrested in May after a gunfire incident in North Delridge is back in jail and awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to two of the three charges filed against him.

We reported May 11th on the gun and drug charges filed against 30-year-old Dale Hiller, days after his arrest. He was seen standing along Delridge near Genesee, firing a gun. Police heard the shots; neighbors called 911 to say they heard the shots; and a ride-share driver called 911 to report seeing the shots being fired. Officers subsequently found Hiller standing next to a backpack he claimed wasn’t his; inside it, police found a gun, drugs, and cash. They also found shell casings. They arrested Hiller – a convicted felon who couldn’t legally own a gun – and booked him into jail.

Less than two days later, he posted bond on $150,000 bail and got out. But before he pleaded guilty this past Wednesday to the gun charge and one drug charge, records show, Hiller was in and out of jail three more times.

The King County Jail Register shows Hiller was back in KCJ for a day in early July, related to an alleged drug offense; less than two weeks later, he was booked into jail again for DUI and for revocation of the bond from his May arrest. The incident number checks to an arrest on the Alaskan Way Viaduct; the jail register shows he remained in custody until October 5th. Less than two weeks after that, the jail register shows, he was back in for three days for a failure-to-appear warrant connected to the DUI case. He got out on October 18th and hasn’t shown up on the jail register since then.

As part of the plea agreement, he was taken back into custody after his guilty plea this past Wednesday, and is due to remain there until his sentencing on January 6th. Online documents show prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence of 7 years, 3 months.

Two burglary attempts and a reindeer are in West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

5400 BLOCK FAUNTLEROY: Rasmus sent the photo and report:

Early this morning, someone tried breaking into our home office via the alley on the 5400 block. They got as far as popping out our screen, but gave up when our window self-locked after about an inch. Still, they were brave enough to enter our apartment parking lot, to get to the window.

I’d encourage everyone in the area to be on the lookout for anyone suspicious, possibly casing and targeting apartments in the area. We did report it to the police, case number 16-449387.

Later, they learned their neighbor’s car had been broken into overnight.

39TH AND JUNEAU: Brandon reports a break-in attempt around 9:45 am: “They saw me in the window and turned around; I went out to the back deck and yelled ‘HEY’ and they took off running … hopefully people keep a look out and these kids get caught.” He did get a look at the would-be intruders, describing them as “young black males, probably around 16 years old, one of them had a Seahawks beanie, but they were all wearing beanies and jackets and all had backpacks on.” He was filing a police report.

And just in:

STOLEN DECORATION? Kelly e-mailed to report, “There is a lighted Rudolph reindeer with a Santa hat Christmas decoration that was thrown in my front yard — Admiral area — I have no idea where it came from but would love to reunite it with its owner!” She sent this photo:

Know of anyone whose Rudolph got removed?

As mentioned earlier – when we published this story about Seattle Police trying to get recovered items backto their owners – we have reader reports to share, too:

MORE CAR PROWLS IN LA FITNESS GARAGE: From Jordan:

I wanted to pass along this story about two car break-ins at the LA Fitness parking garage that happened last night, December 13th. A buddy and I were leaving the gym and approached his car to find that his driver side window had been completely broken, along with the car next to him. Both cars had been gone through (glove boxes open, center consoles open, etc..), nothing too valuable was taken from either car.

When we went to report it to the front desk staff at LA Fitness, they said, “AGAIN!”. Which leads me to believe it has been happening quite a bit lately. Just trying to raise awareness for people who use the gym and maybe encourage the management of the building to install some security cameras in the parking garage since there is a total of zero now. With how many members the gym now has and how much the monthly dues are it seems like it would be a minimal expense to install some cameras to deter crime for their members.

We’ll be checking with corporate HQ.

CAR PROWLERS ON CAMERA: From Matthew along Fauntleroy Way:

My work vehicle was broken into this morning between 3:15 and 3:40. There were three men in two vehicles. They appear to know their trade, as they spent a good deal of time looking evidence of an alarm, and a means of deactivating it. They eventually picked the driver door, set off the alarm, had the side and rear doors opened for them and looked for anything to grab in a hurry then ran off.

A good reminder to be watchful and review good vehicle-theft-prevention practices.

PACKAGE-THEFT ALERT: From Joseph: “I’m writing to report multiple package theft in the Morgan Junction areas. Many in the area have found or reported ripped open boxes and missing packages. Specifically Willow and California west-side residences, and down Willow to Fauntleroy.”

PREVENTION ADVICE: These are exactly the type of crime that rises at this time every year. This flyer circulated to community groups has suggestions for what you can do to deter it.

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR: From Mark:

I want to report a stolen vehicle and ask folks to watch for it. We’ve already made a police report. My wife’s teal green 1997 Honda CR-V was stolen from in front of our house on Gatewood Hill sometime between 9 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. (December 11-12). The license plate number is ASL1972 and the VIN number is JHLRD1854VCO37773. Although I don’t have a photo of the car itself, the attached photo is of the same make/model/year vehicle and color.

PACKAGE THIEF: This one struck in Sylvan Ridge on Friday – Joey sent the clip:

UPPER MORGAN PROWLER: Jeff sent the clip:

It accompanied his message to neighbors: “We had another unwelcome visitor last night at 1:35 AM. He walked in off of the alley between 38th SW and 39th SW until enough lights went on to discourage him. If you had anything disturbed this could be the guy.”

MISSING A BIKE? No photo, but Vivian says, “Last night and again this am there are two bikes, not locked up, on the SE corner of Holden and 24th. One on the ground, the other next standing next to a tree.”

Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch reports so your neighbors all around the peninsula know more about what’s happening – hope crime does NOT happen to you, but if it does, once you’ve reported it to police (911 if it’s happening now or just happened), let us know … 206-293-6302 if breaking, editor@westseattleblog.com if not — thank you.