West Seattle, Washington
17 Wednesday
If you noticed all the police near Delridge and Juneau – they were after a suspect who ran from what turned out to be a stolen car (white Saturn, taken somewhere in King County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction):
Police took up containment posts and found the suspect trying to hide along Longfellow Creek south of Juneau. We confirmed with a sergeant at the scene that the suspect was in custody.
2:02 PM: Thanks for the tips. We’re hearing Guardian One too. The helicopter showed up concurrent with a report of a possible burglary near Fauntleroy Park – we’re checking to find out more.
2:09 PM: Police are in the 4000 block of SW Barton, for what we still believe, so far, is a possible burglary investigation. That abuts the Fauntleroy Park greenbelt, on which they are focusing as well.
2:24 PM: Police are now searching the house that was the subject of the burglary report – our photographer reports that the residents came home and let them in. Fauntleroy has had an uptick in burglaries recently, as mentioned in our coverage of the Fauntleroy Community Association meeting this past Tuesday; we reported on a break-in near Lincoln Park just yesterday.
2:35 PM: No word of an arrest yet. But a sighting that *might* (or might not) have been related – someone who told us about hearing the burglary alarm said they saw several people jump into a “black Acura” near Fauntleroy Church – we know police have that tip as well, as it’s been mentioned over the air.
2:37 PM: Our photographer is back with this image of police when they were outside the house with guns drawn about 20 minutes ago, before determining whether anyone was still inside:
Two incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STREET ROBBERY NEAR CALIFORNIA/ANDOVER: We’ve just obtained the Seattle Police report on this incident that happened just before 11:30 last night. It says a woman who had just gotten off work in The Junction was walking home with her boyfriend, northbound in the 4000 block of California SW (near Andover), when four men “approached them from behind.” One man asked the woman what time it was; when she started to pull out her phone to look, the man showed a “small black handgun” and said “Give me all your stuff.” She said the men then pushed her to the ground “and punched her several times … she covered her face to keep her glasses from breaking.” Her purse, meantime, was on the ground, with its contents scattered, the report says, and the attackers/robbers went through the items, stealing $30, before running away southbound, possibly because two people had just pulled up in a car. Police arrived at the scene, where they found the female victim, who said her boyfriend also had been assaulted and then chased after the robbers/attackers. SFD was called to check out their injuries. The victims said that because it was dark, they didn’t get a good look at the attackers/robbers, but they and the two people who had pulled up in a car told police the four appeared to be black men in their 20s, “average build,” wearing dark sweatshirts “with the hoods pulled up.” Police brought a K-9 in to help search, but didn’t find anyone.
CAR STOLEN FROM SUPERMARKET LOT: A brazen car theft this morning – while Kelly stopped for coffee, bagel, and a work call at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, someone stole her car, a green Honda CR-V, plate AQK4300, taken around 9:20 am from the south side of the parking lot: “The car had very special fishing poles that mean a lot to our family.” They’re in the process of filing the police report now; call 911 if you see the car.
P.S. The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council resumes monthly meetings next Tuesday (September 20th) at the Southwest Precinct, 7 pm, with crime-trend updates from police and a chance for you to bring up community crime/safety concerns.
9:21 AM: If you’ve noticed police near/inside Lincoln Park this morning – we’ve just found out what the search is about. We started looking into it after a texted tip (thank you!) about police near 47th and Othello. We were unable to get more information at the scene but just reached SPD media-relations Det. Mark Jamieson by phone; he tells WSB, that’s where a resident reported seeing someone break into a neighbor’s house. They told police they saw someone come out of the house “carrying something” and then heading into the park. Officers called for a K-9, who picked up a track and has been helping search – no word of an arrest so far, but as of just before 9 am, according to scanner traffic, they’re still searching.
3:39 PM: Just checked with SPD. No arrest in this case so far. (If you have any info – it’s 16-334518.)
More West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon:
STOLEN CAR: Morgan‘s car was stolen last night or early today – “My car was stolen from my driveway (corner of 108th and 37th Ave SW [map]): 2016 Honda Fit, Cobra Drivers seat (says COBRA on the headrest) and license-frame bracket that says Seahawks Season ticket holder. WA plates — AYZ9219.” Call 911 if you see it.
STOLEN PACKAGE: In a comment following today’s first Crime Watch report, Chelsea reported a package theft near California and Dakota [map] and included this link to images from a security camera.
CRIME-PREVENTION ADVICE: The Southwest Precinct e-mailed two “bulletins” today with general advice on what you can do to prevent/reduce burglaries and car prowls – read them as PDFs here (burglaries) and here (car prowls).
NEXT WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL MEETING: WSCPC meetings resume this month – they are your chance to come hear about crime trends from, bring neighborhood concerns to, and ask questions of, Southwest Precinct reps, as well as special guests. WSCPC president Richard Miller tells WSB that the 7 pm meeting next Tuesday (September 20th) will feature “Lisa Love, manager, Health Education, Seattle Public Schools, to discuss the topic of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in our schools.” The meeting is at the precinct (2300 SW Webster).
Two reader reports:
BOAT AND TRAILER STOLEN: The photo and report are from Alyssa:
A family member’s boat was stolen from the corner of 14th Ave. SW and SW Elmgrove in Highland Park in the middle of the night. [map] It’s a 1966, 14 foot, white fishing boat on an army green trailer. Numbers on the side of the boat are: WN6881SJ and WA license plate # on trailer is: 7574QK. It was locked and had been moved within the last 72 hours … it has great sentimental value.
It’s been reported to SPD – call if you see it.
BICYCLE FOUND: Recognize this?
The photo’s from the finder, who says: “We found this bike in a hedge in an alley at Alki.” (Recognize it? Please comment.)
We just got details of an armed robbery on Sunday afternoon that started in Roxhill Park and ended at the nearby Safeway store. Thanks to the person who tipped us about it last night; they had heard about it secondhand but only knew about the part that happened at the supermarket, which is in unincorporated King County, so we contacted KC Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West for details. She says it happened around noon, and that the victim was “walking in the area of Roxhill Park when he was approached by … a lone black male on foot,” who “displayed a handgun and told the victim that if he did something wrong, he would shoot him.” The robber took the victim’s backpack and cash, Sgt. West says, but “told the victim he would give him his property back for $1,000.” So they went together to the ATM at the Shell station across Roxbury, but the victim couldn’t get money there, and they proceeded to the ATM inside Safeway. “There were other people waiting in line at the ATM so the victim yelled ‘he has a gun!’,” says Sgt. West, and with that, the robber ran away, “southbound.” He is described as around 18 years old, black, with a goatee, about 5’4″, 120 pounds, last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, camo pants, and “red basketball-type shoes.”
Two more probably-dumped bicycles have turned up on West Seattle streets. Recognize either?
IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: From Dawn: “This bike was found on the side of the road, near 35th Ave SW and SW 112th.”
Dawn brought it in off the street.
NEAR LINCOLN PARK: Lorraine reports, “For several days there has been a ladies’ purple Huffy bicycle with pink cables leaning against the railing on the sidewalk, about half a block north of the ferry dock on the east side of Fauntleroy Way.” Brian reported the same one and sent a photo:
If your bike has been stolen but has not turned up “found,” be sure also to check with SPD – bicycles turned in to police are often posted on their @getyourbikeback Twitter feed.
12:47 PM: BT reports an overnight car prowl:
My 2013 Jeep Wrangler was broken into last night by cutting through the soft top window at (4800 block) 38th Ave SW [map]. Various personal items including a yellow and black striped (like a bee) Disccraft golf bag with all of my discs and a blue and gray gym bag with boxing gloves were taken.
If anything fitting that description turns up dumped in your neighborhood, please comment.
ADDED 1:19 PM: We have received another report of a car prowl that netted sports gear, this one in the 3900 block of 37th SW:
In total they took 16 golf clubs, a discover pass, and the vehicle registration. Hope that these items turn up as I was planning on donating the clubs to Goodwill.
Recognize that bicycle? It turned up “abandoned,” likely stolen, behind a Harbor Avenue condo. The finders have it in a safe place and hope to find its rightful owner – if that’s you, or you know who might be, you can contact them directly at ckcarman@msn.com – thanks!
For the second day in a row, we’ve received a Crime Watch reader report of a Toyota Prius stolen in West Seattle. First Arbor Heights, now Fairmount Springs (Fauntleroy and Graham): “Charcoal gray Toyota Prius, Chico State sticker on rear window. WA license 474-YNG.” 2008 model, per @getyourcarback. Owner says usage of card(s) that also were stolen might suggest it is or has been in the Westwood Village vicinity. Call 911 if you see it.
1:38 PM: Burglars are still targeting local storage units in the Luna Park area. Most recently, we’ve had multiple reports of break-ins at Public Storage on SW Avalon Way; today, we have word of a break-in at nearby Stor-More (WSB sponsor) on SW Yancy. The victim says it happened late Friday night:
They broke into only our unit, apparently. We had a really good lock on the door but they cut the hasp — so essentially, they cut *around* the lock. They went through almost every box and threw stuff around and took jewelry and a few antique silver ornate serving platters. Mostly stuff they could sell easily.
Searching Tweets by Beat for the incident number (2016-320931), we noticed another burglary report this weekend (different incident #) for an “unoccupied structure on residential property” in the same block.
6:08 PM: As noted in comments, there are reports now of multiple break-ins at Stor-More this weekend. We’ll be following up on these and the PS break-ins, with police and with company reps, to see if we can find out about plans for increased security.
An Arbor Heights resident hopes you can help find her stolen car:
My newly bought 2012 Prius v – my dream car – was stolen from in front of my house last night (Sept. 3rd). It is silverish blue. I live on 40th St. SW. Reward for anyone who provides information leading to the recovery of this vehicle.
Plate # is AZE2410, according to SPD’s @getyourcarback Twitter feed, which includes the reminder to call 911 if you see a stolen car, rather than checking it out closeup.
2:22 PM: Another report of plant theft, and this one adds insult to injury for Harris, who already was going through a tough time:
I just moved out of my rental house (Arbor Heights area) on the 1st. We were suddenly asked to move out so the house could be sold. The move has been difficult and stress filled.
There were large plants in containers that had to be temporarily left at the house so placement could be arranged. When I returned to the house to get them on the 2nd, the plants were gone. The house was vacant for one day. In that time someone stole the only plants I had intended on keeping. Some have extreme sentimental value to me. The retail value of the plants and containers is over 300$, but it’s not about the money. “They are just plants,” people say. To me, it’s like someone stole my pets. I’ve cared for them for many years and had intended on keeping them in my life. It’s so upsetting. It would be wonderful to have them back but I’m not keeping my hopes up.
Losing more and more faith in humanity everyday. Karma is going to come back around and get this person. Who steals plants? Seriously despicable!
The noticeable plants would be: 2 tall glossy black cylindrical pots. Overflowing with sedums/succulents, one has a weeping Alaska Cedar, the other has Black Bamboo. If they or any other plants in black pots are found discarded anywhere, please contact me, I would be very grateful!!!
Harris can be reached at harrisblakestarr (at) gmail (dot) com.
3:47 PM: Good news just in from Harris: Plants found several houses away. “Misunderstanding,” not theft.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight:
GREENBELT SEARCH: A few people asked about a police search late today in the greenbelt along the east end of the SW Roxbury corridor. We monitored it via scanner; tonight the suspect they sought is listed on the King County Jail register, including a citation for resisting arrest, which means he is charged and therefore we’re identifying him: 32-year-old Dillon Ruffcorn, also listed as having two “failure to appear” warrants in South King County, one in another resisting-arrest case, one for alleged car prowling. His bail is set at $18,000.
VIDEO SHOWS WOULD-BE BURGLAR: Back on Tuesday, we published Richard‘s report about an attempted break-in at his home in the 7100 block of Sylvan Lane. He has since sent five short security-video clips showing the would-be burglar. This is the clearest:
The other clips, all brief, are here, here, here, and here.
Reader report, just received this afternoon:
I was out for a run early this morning and at around 6:15 AM a man ran up behind me really fast and grabbed my butt with both his hands. When I started to turn around he ran away in the opposite direction. I never saw his face but he was about 5’9 to 5’10 and was wearing a dark blue hoodie with the hood up and black jeans. This happened as I was running north on 44th Ave SW right before the Charlestown Ave SW intersection. I just want to get the word out to other women who may be out running or walking in the early morning.
This is the first incident of this type we recall hearing about in some time.
SIDE NOTES: First, before you ask: Yes, the man convicted in similar attacks (and more) early this decade is still in prison.
Second: The description, scant as it is, is reminiscent of this 2013 incident south of The Junction which, to our knowledge, has never been solved.
Two incidents to report in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
GUNFIRE CONFIRMED: Police confirm that what sounded like gunshots along Marine View Drive early this morning *were* gunshots, even though the incident was only logged as a “disturbance.” Casings – we don’t yet know how many or what type – were recovered in the 10600 block of Marine View Drive (map), SPD confirmed to WSB, adding that no injuries or damage were reported.
BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From Joshua:
I just wanted to get the word out of an attempted burglary in the 46th Ave & Spokane St area. [map] My wife and I weren’t home at the time and it happened sometime between this past Saturday and yesterday morning. They tried getting into the back door of the house by prying the locks and then tried the same thing on the garage door and did a lot of damage to those locks. Luckily, they weren’t successful.
Thanks again for the Crime Watch reports – 206-293-6302 text or voice if it’s urgent (after you’ve called 911), editor@westseattleblog.com if it’s not.
Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
EARLY MORNING BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From Richard, who lives near Gatewood Elementary:
Someone attempted to break in our house last night at approximately 12:23 AM. We captured the attempted break-in on our video surveillance system.
We called 911 after we realized this was not a false alarm from our video surveillance system.
Based on our video, he appeared to first climb over our patio railing (not an easy feat), then attempted to open our patio door (which leads to our kitchen). He then walked to our front door and attempted to open it. He then sat on our front yard for a minute and left just before the police arrived.
Seattle police arrived promptly, asked us a few questions, and looked around our yard and surrounding area. Very pleased with their response and handling of the situation.
If and when we get images from Richard’s surveillance video, we’ll add them.
CR-V STOLEN, FOUND, WITH LOOT FROM A CAR PROWL: From Rachel:
On Sunday 8/28, my 2000 Honda CR-V was stolen on SW Holden St / Delridge Way SW. I’ve also had my license plate taken twice in the past 6 months. Appears to be a commonly stolen vehicle in the area.
Vehicle was recovered yesterday, 8/29, in an apartment complex’s parking lot a block away from the theft location. The inside was coated by the thief with what appears to be WD-40. SPD officer said this is to prevent leaving fingerprints behind.
They took the few emergency supplies kept in the vehicle (fire extinguisher, cables, etc) and left behind a large tool box. Turns out the tool box belonged to my neighbor who had his work van broken into on 8/28 (also on SW Holden St).
Another car prowl victim is asking you to keep watch for some of the items she lost –
SEEN THESE STOLEN DOCUMENTS? Sarah M is hoping a few not-worth-anything-to-anyone-else items might turn up:
My 2004 Corolla was prowled sometime between Saturday night and Monday morning. It was parked in my lot, just SE of Fauntleroy Way SW & SW Edmunds.
I’m hoping someone will find some of the documents that were taken – mostly car-related info of no value to anyone but me. Including a red vinyl Toyota car care manual. I’ve already looked all over the nearby blocks, dumpsters, etc. Also taken, as you may notice this item and then the docs – the prowler carried everything away in a black bag with a bright “Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious” (from Sound of Music) printed on it in bright letters.
I don’t expect to get the “valuable” items (Bluetooth, etc.), but I’m asking if anyone finds docs with my name on it to let me know. Thanks!
FOUND BICYCLE, MOTORCYCLE HELMET: A Roxhill-area resident has found both of these items in recent weeks and think they were both stolen and dumped:
Please comment if you think either might be yours.
5:17 PM: In West Seattle Crime Watch:
MAN ASSAULTED OUTSIDE ALKI HOME: This happened last Wednesday night, but we didn’t hear about it until today. An Alki Beach resident was seriously hurt in an attack outside his home. His family, who has asked not to be identified, says the victim had discovered someone trespassing in their yard and urinating on the house. After suggesting that the person clean up after himself, the family said, the victim was knocked down, kicked, and beaten by the trespasser and two accomplices. The attackers got away; the victim went to the hospital. No descriptions available so far.
STOLEN CAR RECOVERED: Robin, who reported last Friday that her Honda Civic had been stolen for the second time, says it’s been found, outside West Seattle:
In case neighborhood readers are interested in the likelihood of their stolen cars turning up, I’m happy to report that mine was recovered by SPD the next day on the 2600 block of King Street. The thief made a clean slice through my steering wheel with some kind of portable saw, I presume, and was able to remove the club and drive away. It doesn’t look like any other damage was inflicted and nothing was stolen, though it’s being checked out and repaired at my garage (hopefully they can find a steering column for a ’94 Honda!).
ANYONE MISSING THIS CAR? (Removed, as noted in comments)
6:52 PM: Just out of the WSB inbox – we’re adding this scooter-theft report:
Red Scooter, last seen Sunday night 8/28/16 on 30th and Cloverdale. If you see it please contact Terry at 206-355-2211. Seattle Police incident #16-313023.
Tonight’s West Seattle Crime Watch notes are from finders.
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strong>First – Steph found what seems to be package-theft evidence:
I found some opened packages from ebay and Amazon in a parking garage in the Jefferson Square building. Just in case above reported their stuff stolen.
Seems to be addressed to a Spencer (last name starts with S.) on Fauntleroy in an apartment. And a Janessa (different last name starting with S.) also on Fauntleroy in an apartment … And one to a Mike (last name starting with V), on Fauntleroy.
Unfortunately they’re all empty minus packing slips – which I picked up to try to find email/ phone numbers to these people and have a few.
Second – missing a bicycle? If it’s a Raleigh mountain bike, it might be the one found by a reader, “hidden in the bushes.” Send the description to ctcalderon (at) comcast (dot) net to see if it’s yours.
Reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
STORAGE FACILITY HIT AGAIN: Two customers of the Public Storage facility in the 2900 block of SW Avalon Way have e-mailed to let us know burglar(s) have struck there again. One reports, “My unit along with about 15 others were hit overnight or sometime this morning.” She’s on a floor with “secure elevators” but was told that entry was made via emergency-exit stairwells. She says she’s moving her belongings somewhere else. The other victim who contacted us also reported being told that multiple units were broken into. We also reported last Sunday on multiple break-ins at the same facility.
MARINE VIEW DRIVE BURGLARY: Also via e-mail: “Today, around 12:30, my parent’s house in the area of 112th & Marine View Dr SW was broken into. The (burglars), possibly two of them, neighbors think were white males wearing construction vests & driving a dark SUV. Made entry through window & took the stolen items out the garage. Of the stolen items, the biggie was a safe. About 2×2.”
Thanks again for the Crime Watch reports – 206-293-6302 text or voice if it’s urgent (after you’ve called 911), editor@westseattleblog.com if it’s not.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning – first, Robin‘s car has been stolen again:
Wanted to post this on the WSB because the last time this happened I found it because of the blog.
I looked out my window this morning around 5:30 and saw my car sitting where I had parked it on Monday in front of my building (south block of Alaska between 45th and 44th – Central Park Condominiums). I looked out again at 6:15 and there was a big empty space where it had been. The police have been notified.
It’s a black 1994 Honda Civic DX (2-door), license plate WA State AHH 9052. I had it “secured” with a yellow club. Hoping I can recover again like last time; it had been dumped in front of Holy Rosary on 42nd.
If you see it – as the @getyourcarback tweet says, call 911.
Second, Jenny reports someone tried to break into her car in Gatewood:
There was an attempted car prowl on my Subaru Outback parked on the street at SW Austin St. and 37th Ave SW. They were unable to get in, but the window trim was ripped up and pulled back and you could see two places where they slipped in a slim Jim. There was nothing of value in the car. It is upsetting that they damaged my vehicle. I hope that in writing this, others will keep an eye out and deter further prowls.
Thanks again for the Crime Watch reports – if urgent/breaking, text/call 206-293-6302 (but not until you’ve called 911)) – if not, editor@westseattleblog.com.
Tonight in West Seattle Crime Watch, four reader reports – three car prowls, plus the case of the abandoned pants:
CAR PROWL #1: From RC:
I woke up this morning to see my car door open. When I went out and looked, it was obvious someone had gone through the glovebox and center console. A few dollars and a Leatherman multi-tool were the only items missing. Just sucks that someone went through our car. We live on 37th between Alaska and Edmunds. Thought we should share in case others had a similar experience last night.
CAR PROWL #2: From Meghan:
Just wanted to contact you guys to let you know our car was broken into (window shattered and appears that a crow bar was used to pry at the window) and they went through our glove compartment. Stole a phone charger and car adaptor. We believe it happened yesterday or early this morning on SW Edmunds/ California Ave.
CAR PROWL #3: From Judah:
This morning at 8am I discovered that my car had been broken into. The driver side door was wide open and the contents tossed about. The fusebox cover was also opened up so they may have been trying to steal it or disable the alarm. I filed an online report with SPD. The only thing of value taken was a small coin purse with less than $3 in it. I think that the incident must have taken place between midnight and 6 am, based on when we are active in the house. Our house is on 32nd Avenue SW, between Andover and Genesee. The car was parked in the driveway off the alley that runs between 32nd Avenue SW and Avalon Way.
CASE OF THE ABANDONED PANTS: FB sent the report and photo:
Found a pair of worn pants, guys flip flops, a spoon and the top of a medicine wrapper in my front yard this morning — doesn’t look like they fell out of a bag. On Alaska St between 45th and 46th.
Very creepy — so some guy (probably thin, judging by the size of the pants) was walking around with no pants and shoes in the neighborhood sometime this morning.
Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch information – editor@westseattleblog.com if not urgent, 206-293-6302 if it is (after you’ve called 911, of course).
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