West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Four West Seattle Crime Watch notes this morning:
FIGHT LEADS TO STABBING: Police say “a fight over a bag of pot” was behind a stabbing inside a house in the 8800 block of 36th SW early today. The suspect is 15; the victim, 26, and expected to survive the wound to the torso. Police say additional details on this might be available later in the day.
PHONE ROBBERY: We’re hoping to find out more about this too; it hasn’t shown up in online records yet, but we have a reader report, from Jennifer, of another street robbery over a smartphone, Monday morning around 8:20 am at Delridge/Croft. The victim was a teenage girl and the robber is reported to have flashed a gun.
ALKI CAR PROWL: Also a reader report, from Ryan: Sometime Sunday or Monday, a Honda Prelude was broken into in the 6100 block of SW Stevens, and $2500 worth of stereo equipment was stolen, described as “a Pioneer AVH P3200BT with two JBL 10″ 1000w subs and 2 Kenwood amps.”
YARD SIGNS STOLEN: Three weeks until Election Day, and we’ve had multiple reports of yard-sign theft. Yes, it’s illegal. Might just backfire; one victim writing in the WSB Forum says it’s made them mad enough to step up their donations for the cause espoused by the stolen signs.
P.S. Live or work in the Admiral area? Crime/safety is on the agenda, with guests from SPD, for tonight’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting – 7 pm, The Sanctuary at Admiral (42nd/Lander).
Five notes in West Seattle Crime Watch – one from an incident that’s just wrapped up:
NO, IT WASN’T SHOTS: Police converged on an apartment building in the 7500 block of 35th SW (map) this past hour after a report of possible shots. They eventually determined it was fireworks, but not until some commotion involving people in a car and apartment, some of whom we’re told took off running. No injuries.
RECOGNIZE THIS CAR? Trina says this car has been near her parents’ house in the 5th/Kenyon vicinity for at least a week:
It’s been tagged by police already. But in case you know someone who is missing a car like this – she wanted to circulate the word, too.
RECOGNIZE THIS BIKE? Carla found a possibly stolen bicycle in an alley near Ercolini Park west of The Junction:
She describes it as a purple “Glacier Point” Magna 15-speed mountain bike, looks to be a kids’ bike or woman’s.”
Ahead – two strong-arm robberies, both on the same day last week:Read More
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight:
FAUNTLEROY SEARCH: Many were wondering about the police presence in Fauntleroy, near Lincoln Park and the ferry dock, since late afternoon. Officers told us they were looking for a “felony warrant suspect” who had been seen in the area, near the bus stop by the dock. No new incident/crime, apparently, but this was someone they were looking for. We don’t know whether they’ve found that suspect yet, and we don’t have details of the warrant.
PACKAGE THEFT: Fumiko in Arbor Heights (near 35th/100th) says she’s been hit by package thieves for the third and final time, and she’s just not going to get home deliveries any more. Her iPhone 6, delivered by UPS at 3:55 pm, was gone when she got home Thursday night and: “This is the third time an UPS or USPS delivered package went missing from my property (front porch and side door).”
The car is 20 years old – the car seat inside, brand-new – in this West Seattle Crime Watch reader report from Tunisia:
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that last night my husband’s car was stolen. It’s a teal 94 Acura Integra hatchback with visible body damage. There’s dents in the back bumper and a debt on the hood. To make matters worse, our daughter’s brand new car seat was in there. We live on 40th Ave inbetween Oregon and Alaska. The same street where the Honda Fit was messed with :(
If you think you’ve seen it, call 911, as the SPD @getyourcarback stolen-car Twitter feed always advises.
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli, taken after suspect was in custody)
Right about this time yesterday, an intense police search including Seattle Police SWAT and the Guardian One helicopter was under way after gunfire was reported over the west side of Fairmount Ravine (WSB coverage here). Five schools sheltered in place as a precaution. Finally, police reported an arrest. After checking nearby homes and cars, they determined no one had been shot. Today, in hopes of finding out more about what happened and why, we obtained the official report – with addresses/names redacted – from SPD, and have just transcribed the bulk of the narrative:
(TOPLINES: Gunfire reported, no one shot, one man taken into custody)
(Added: WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli; we’ve obscured face of man who was being treated)
2:53 PM: Police and fire are rushing to the 2100 block of Arch Place SW (map) – a dead-end road near Fairmount Ravine – on an “assault with weapons” call. Scanner report indicated shots were heard, but no report yet on victim(s). More to come.
3 PM: Via Twitter, SPD has confirmed that they have no report yet on whether there’s a victim – although emergency-radio discussion indicates there may be someone “down.” Police/fire are not certain yet whether it’s safe to go in – please note that, if you are anywhere in the area.
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand: Where fire crews are waiting, a few blocks away for safety)
3:07 PM: Scanner indicates police do not believe it’s safe to get close to the area. In comments, it’s reported that West Seattle High School and Lafayette Elementary are in shelter-in-place mode; let us know if you hear of any others. (added a moment later) Via Twitter, Seattle Public Schools says Madison, Schmitz Park, Alki also sheltering in place.
3:19 PM: Again, there is still no word of whether anyone is hurt. Police are still not sure of the status of the person who was reported to be shooting, so that’s why the abundance of caution. We have a crew in the area near where emergency responders are staged in case they’re needed – adding a photo, but take note, that’s a couple blocks south of the actual scene, since everyone is being kept back for safety. You might hear/see a law-enforcement helicopter there shortly. The suspect they are trying to find is described only as a white man in his 30s, blue shirt.
3:27 PM: The Guardian One helicopter has joined the search.
3:41 PM: Again, this is happening in a greenbelt area around a dead-end street in north Admiral, over Fairmount Ravine. That’s where police are concentrated. There is a report now via scanner they might have heard more shots. Still no confirmation whether anyone anywhere has been hurt.
3:55 PM: One person is in custody. We had heard via scanner that police had found a man – who we believe lives in the area – that they were looking for.
(WSB photos from here down are by Christopher Boffoli)
4:05 PM: Police have declared the scene “secure.” Our crews at the scene got word there might be one patient related to this – how they were injured, we don’t know yet.
4:14 PM: Schools are no longer sheltering in place. Police are still checking homes in the area to look for anyone possibly hurt.
4:28 PM: Police are reopening northbound Fairmount. They also are still checking the area (including some parked cars) to make sure there isn’t anyone hurt anywhere. An SPD media-relations detective is expected at the scene shortly for a briefing, and we will of course add whatever more we learn then.
4:57 PM: That hasn’t happened yet. Guardian One came back for a while but has been cleared again. Meantime, we’re adding some photos from the ravine part of the investigation.
5:17 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Drew Fowler has just finished his media briefing – we have it on video and will upload when photographer’s back at HQ. (Added: here it is)
The toplines: Police first got a report of multiple shots fired, but couldn’t figure out where callers’ stories and locations differed. Eventually, with Guardian One’s help, they found one male suspect in the ravine. They have not found anyone who was a shooting victim. The suspect had some cuts and was treated by firefighters; now SPD is taking him to a hospital for a mental evaluation. They say he had a shotgun and handgun. They don’t know how many shots he fired but described them as “numerous”; some bullets hit cars.
ADDED 9:54 PM: SPD Blotter has a summary of the incident; no additional information except that the man arrested is described as 30 years old. We’re adding a few more photos and a short video clip from this afternoon’s investigation/search:
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports tonight – starting with Dawnee‘s bicycle, stolen near 18th/Trenton:
Another day, another stolen bicycle. Mine was taken from our locked garage sometime between 8:30am – 3:30 pm today. It was there this morning when I fed the chickens (I keep their feed in the garage), and when I went out this afternoon to feed them again I noticed the back garage door wide open and my red 2010 Marin Larkspur hybrid (valued at $450) was gone. Police report #14-335901. The bike was in great condition, recently tuned up, and was my secondary transportation (I haul my kiddos in a trailer with it) and my workout buddy. A big loss, as I can’t afford to replace it.
Also –Kathrine‘s 2009 Honda Fit was hit by thieves:
I just wanted to let you know two wheels and tires were stolen off my car overnight [Sunday to Monday]. I went outside to leave for work … and they were gone. It must have happened overnight. The two tires that were left, all the lug nuts had been removed but the car was too close to the curb and the thieves could not get them out. Just wanted to let people know in case it happened to others. I am at 40th between Oregon and Alaska. Police report has been filed.
P.S. The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council will meet this month – 2 weeks from tonight, Tuesday, October 21st, 7 pm, at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster).
Two Monday morning West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
HAVE YOU SEEN CARRIE ANN’S STATION WAGON? Silver 2002 Volvo V70 wagon, license #AAE8123, stolen in The Junction “up the street from Holy Rosary,” sometime between 8:30 pm Friday & 9:30 am Saturday. Small black spot on the back hatch, where the previous owner’s bike rack rubbed; small-medium dent in the rear passenger’s side door; long slice all along the headliner, across the front, near the windshield; multiple brightly-colored IKEA blankets left inside. Call 911 if you see it.
Also this morning:
Read More
Police are investigating a strong-arm robbery in Admiral early today, and we just received details via this reader report from Edward:
Three local West Seattle teens were assaulted and robbed by another group of older youths near Hiawatha park & the Safeway in Admiral area a little after midnight (early Saturday am) Oct 4th.
The boys, who all grew up here and attended Lafayette, Washington Middle School & currently attend Garfield (two) & Sealth (one), had met to hang out and get some snacks at Safeway when they were stalked by a gang of four sketchier looking males, one wearing a beanie with long curly hair.
The first blow was a sucker punch from behind that split the victims lip open, and he yelled “They punched me!” to warn the other two boys. But two of the attackers tackled and slammed the second victim to the ground, bloodying his nose and causing a large swollen contusion on the forehead from the impact.
The criminals then stole his red down vest with a K2 Snowboard logo on the chest, his new Galaxy S5 smartphone (worth over $700), and his wallet that contained an Orca bus pass, Debit Card, Garfield School ID, and a few various gift cards along with $5 cash. The third victim eluded his pursuer and ran across to the PCC, which was closed.
After regrouping, the boys contacted their parents and then the Seattle Police. SPD Officer Steiger is handling the case: Incident #14-331689. Please contact him if you have any further information regarding this violent assault & theft.
Three notes in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning. One is somewhat general – multiple reports of “metal scrappers” stealing items left out on parking strips or in alleys. Theft is theft, so if it happens to you, please be sure to report it.
Second, Dean reports interrupting car prowlers near 46th SW and Admiral Way, but not before they got away with T-shirts that say REPETE (with a pic of the Seahawks’ coach). A police report has been filed.
And third, an update from Rick in Gatewood:
Thank you, West Seattle Blog, for posting the information about my stolen work van. After driving around West Seattle for hours on Saturday, I located my stolen van. The locks & ignition were destroyed/missing & my tools stolen. Eye witness reports indicate that my van was stolen between 4:15 a.m and 5:30 a.m. and that individuals were car prowling w/ a dark colored van on Ida Street. Also, I learned that other individuals in the area have also reported their tools stolen.
One more chapter closed today in the case of former King County sheriff’s deputy and West Seattle resident Darrion Holiwell. First, he was charged last June with drug sales, theft, domestic violence, and promoting prostitution. Then he pleaded guilty and was sentenced on August 4th to one year and one day behind bars. At the time, Holiwell – who ran a gun-related business on the side – said he was broke. But as our partners at The Seattle Times reported on August 25th, prosecutors found out otherwise, learning Holiwell was about to get a $181,000 retirement cashout, and filed to have his sentence thrown out on grounds of fraud. The motion was granted, and we just found court records showing Holiwell was re-sentenced today. Judge Bruce Heller gave him a five-month-longer prison sentence – 17 months in all, still short of the 20-month maximum. He also was ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution; no amount had been set when he was originally sentenced in early August. And his previous $1,000 fine for promoting prostitution was tripled to $3,000.
From Rick:
My work van with all of my tools inside was stolen from in front of my home at 39th and Holden. It is a 2003 Ford Ecovan with Relius Marine in large blue and green lettering. The license # is A46580Z. The police have been informed. The van was stolen after 1:00 a.m. or so on September 27, 2014. I am out of business without my tools & van. Please call Rick at 253-350-4263 with any information.
And call 911 if you see it – don’t approach a suspected stolen car, police advise, since you never know who or what might still be in it.
One more West Seattle Crime Watch reader report tonight – an attempted strong-arm robbery. Jacqueline sent this note:
I wanted to let you know that I called the police and reported an incident that happened just before 8 pm this evening, 9/26/14. I stopped at the Walgreens at the corner of 35th & Morgan in West Seattle (High Point neighborhood), right across from the West Seattle Food Bank. I was stopping quickly to return a dvd rental at the Redbox. When I was getting out of my car, a man approached me and grabbed a hold of my car door handle and tried to grab my purse. I immediately screamed extremely loud, and since I still had my right side of my body partially inside of my SUV, I started beeping my horn and the man backed off, and I also swung my door open at him to try to get him away. I screamed so much and got everyone’s attention in the parking lot with the sound of my horn.
I was able to get back into my car and get the heck out of there. I pulled out onto 35th Ave SW and drove up a few blocks and called 911. Here is the description I gave the police:
(January 2014 photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
On a Friday night back in January, 33-year-old Nicholas Broughton drew the attention of thousands by driving that stolen SUV through a fence near a relative’s home west of The Junction, with the Guardian One helicopter overhead, tracking him through the LoJack device in the SUV. He was arrested, jailed, and charged, described by prosecutors as an “11-time felon.” In the ensuing months, Broughton got out 
on bond, then was charged with identity theft related to cards stolen in earlier car prowls.
Other developments since his January arrest include the Labor Day incident in which he and his girlfriend both bolted when pulled over by police, two days after he pleaded guilty to most of the aforementioned charges. The official record listed her as being in King County Superior Court today when Judge Catherine Shaffer sentenced Broughton for possession of a stolen vehicle, hit and run, and two counts of second-degree identity theft. The sentence, same as what prosecutors had recommended, totals (see the document here) a little over four years in prison, with credit for the two months Broughton has served since the January arrest. He will be on probation, aka “community custody,” for a year after he gets out.
Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch today, all car-involved crimes, one way or another:
CAR STOLEN FROM GARAGE: Just in from Julie in Gatewood:
I wanted to report a dark-blue 2007 Audi A4 with tinted windows, stolen in the middle of the last night between 11:30 pm to 8:00 am. License plate AFL5094. The rims are scratched up from curbs, but other than that in really good shape. They broke into our garage & took the car. They also broke into our SUV on the street & stole all my kids’ movies.
Julie adds that the car theft followed the prowl – which yielded a garage-door opener for the thief/thieves to use. If you see her Audi, meantime, as the @getyourcarback tweet says, call 911.
Next – a car being sought in a hit-and-run:
KNOW WHOSE CAR THAT IS? Cathleen says they’re looking for a hit-run driver:
The driver, a white male in his late 20’s/early 30’s with dark hair and close-shaven beard, hit our daughter and her two passengers (Wednesday) morning in our car at approximately 7:42 a.m on their way to school at the top of SW City View Street as she was approaching Admiral Way. He verbally assaulted her, refused to exchange information and after adjusting the front bumper/hood of his car, drove away.
Two of our home security cameras captured both the accident, a Van Pool car passing the accident and the man pulling away a minute and a half later as he passed our driveway, unfortunately we cannot make out the plate and are hoping someone will recognize the vehicle, which has stickers in the rear window.
If you have a tip, please contact police directly and refer to incident 14-319713.
Ahead, followups on two alleged-DUI cases from this past week:
In discussions following West Seattle Crime Watch coverage here, some have wondered why police officers don’t appear to seek fingerprint evidence at every scene. Last night, at the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting, Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Wilske said one challenge is that they didn’t have access to working kits – so he’s fixing that. In our first of two reports on last night’s meeting, here are the new local stats and prevention plans he mentioned as the meeting began:
(Friday photo by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)
We’ve just confirmed the arrest of a suspect in last Friday’s High Point shooting. As reported here shortly after it happened, an 18-year-old was shot in the leg during what was reported as a fight involving about 20 people near 30th SW and High Point Drive. Police found a gun and multiple shell casings near and under a car in the area. After hearing from multiple sources about a possible arrest, we just confirmed with SPD spokesperson Det. Drew Fowler that a 17-year-old boy was arrested in West Seattle today in connection with the incident, was being questioned by Gang Unit detectives, and is being booked into the Youth Services Center for investigation of assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.
11:39 AM: Big emergency response headed for 11th SW/SW Spokane vicinity, where police are looking for a suspect in a stabbing reported to have followed a “fight disturbance.” We don’t have a full description yet – except for “wearing an orange sweatshirt” and leaving the scene on foot, eastbound on Spokane, per scanner traffic. More to come.
11:56 AM: The scene is difficult to reach so far so this updated information is from SPD via Twitter: The stabbing happened along SW Spokane “near Terminal 18. Victim suffered minor cut to leg. Officers searching for Asian male, blue coat.”
12:02 PM: Since it’s a minor injury, SFD’s involvement has already closed out, and our ground crew isn’t seeing police at the original scene, either.
Almost four weeks after someone smashed the big front window of the nonprofit Discovery Shop in The Junction, the plywood’s down and a new window’s up. The shop’s chair Winni Field says, “We’d like to extend a giant thank you to the West Seattle community for their support, both emotional and financial, while our store front was boarded up. We’d love the community to stop by and admire this window!” Volunteer Suzanne Rowe, who first told us about the window, adds, “Everyone affiliated with the shop has been very moved by the generosity of our West Seattle Community. Since the incident happened almost 4 weeks ago, people have been coming into the store with cash donations and/or merchandise to give us to resell. That support helped us to expedite the installation of the replacement window.” So far as we know, the vandalism case remains unsolved.
The latest West Seattle Crime Watch reader report is from Gabrielle, whose Seaview home was broken into sometime in the past few days. When she sent a brief note, mentioning items of sentimental significance were missing, we asked if any additional details were available so people could keep an eye out – in the shrubbery, on CL, maybe even eventually in pawn shops. Here’s her report:
Our home was burglarized while my husband and I were away on a short vacation. It happened sometime between 11:30 am Thursday 9/18 and 5:30 pm on Saturday 9/20. We are located at 46th Ave SW and Brandon Street. [map] Many small items were stolen, while they seemed to leave anything of significant weight/couldn’t be carried by one person. Many jewelry items, small power tools, and an iPad were taken. Items of high sentimental value are as follows and should be looked out for at pawn shops:
-18k Gold Locket, 1/2″ diameter, Floral Engraving, Highly Sentimental
-Diamond Necklace Pendant & White Gold Chain, 1 karat total weight, 4 square diamonds set in white gold
-3/4 karat heart-shaped ruby solitaire on yellow gold band, Highly Sentimental
-Tiffany’s Stainless Steel Heart Tag Necklace, Custom Engraved G.D.S.
-Tiffany’s Stainless Steel Heart Tag Bracelet, Custom Engraved G.D.S.
-Handmade/Custom Letterpress Jewelry Wall Case, Highly Sentimental
-Nordstrom Necklace & Earring Set Round CZ with Pave Setting, sterling silver setting/chainsThe burglars came though our front door, prying open a lock and damaging jamb. No other entry point was found. We are in the middle of a large-scale first floor renovation, which may have made it appear the home was vacant. Most of the items stolen were from 2nd floor. Seattle Police was called immediately, Case #14-315312.
This has been a terrible experience for us but we will try to remain positive. Most important thing we could tell our neighbors… Make sure your home is harder to break into… nothing to guarantee it won’t happen, but as many deterrents as possible can’t hurt.
SIDE NOTE: Checking the West Seattle Tweets by Beat (which includes dates, addresses, and incident types, no other details), here are the other burglaries reported in West Seattle earlier this past week (residential unless otherwise noted):
When Mayor Murray previewed his public-safety budget last Friday, our coverage noted his mention of “more than 100 micropolicing plans” in progress. Tonight, Seattle Police mentioned those plans in the context of the newest crime statistics.
The precinct-by-precinct crime-stats breakouts for May, June, July, and August aren’t out yet, but the citywide numbers are, and SPD Blotter reports they show an overall increase, led by a 44 percent citywide jump in auto theft. The SPD Blotter update also says: “The Department is using the crime data as part of a new program it’s launched, called SeaStat, that’s aimed at quickly addressing crime hotspots based on analysis of crime data and community reports of incidents.” In addition to computer analysis, “SeaStat also takes community views into account through regular meetings where the department can hear directly from residents if its efforts are working. The community feedback, and analysis of crime data, will be used to adjust the precinct community policing plans now under development.”
In West Seattle, local precinct leadership has been consulting neighborhood groups while drafting those plans. Just two examples: The North Delridge Neighborhood Council is looking for feedback from its community on the latest revision of a proposed North Delridge plan, linked from the NDNC website; and if you are in the Alki/Beach Drive area, the Alki Community Council is looking for feedback on that area’s draft plan when it resumes monthly meetings tomorrow night (Thursday 9/18, 7 pm, Alki UCC parlor, 6112 SW Hinds).
Meantime, we’re awaiting the precinct-specific (West Seattle and South Park comprise the Southwest Precinct) crime-data updates and could hear tomorrow (per our Twitter exchange with SPD, below) when that’ll be available:
@westseattleblog Don't have precinct data finalized yet but should be soon. We'll see if we can get an ETA tomorrow.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) September 18, 2014
You can see the citywide updates on this page (which, at the bottom, links precinct-by-precinct data through April).
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports. First, a burglary report from last night, at a home near 51st SW and Admiral Way. The report was forwarded on behalf of the burglary victim’s family:
Mom’s laptop and my DSLR camera and lenses are gone, they took some alcohol, looked for pills, smashed the sliding glass door. Found out they took an antique jewelry/music box from mom’s childhood that had sentimental value.
Also, Eric reports his motorcycle has been stolen:
Just wanted to advise WS residents that a black Harley Davidson motorcycle was stolen (license plate 8C4988, with whitewalls and black handlebars) from Link Apartments on 38th and Alaska. Sometime between Sept 6th and Sept 16th from the “secure” garage. If anyone sees it around, please call police.
Next crime-prevention-related meeting in West Seattle is the WS Block Watch Captains’ Network, Tuesday (September 23rd), 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, including updates from SPD. You don’t have to be a BW captain to attend – all welcome.
A big police response on Puget Ridge late last night had a lot of people wondering what was going on; we’ve just obtained the police report with details. A man and woman were arrested for investigation of burglary at a house in the 5200 block of 18th SW (map) where, the report says, they used to live. The landlord’s son told police the former tenants were evicted two weeks ago and did not have permission to be in the house.
Police were called around 11 pm when the landlord found out the in-house security system had detected intruders. Its live video feed was obstructed (later, police discovered the camera on the floor), but two voices were heard. Both alleged intruders were inside when police arrived and came out when ordered to. They told police they had gone back into the house – which they claimed was unlocked – looking for mail they were expecting, though, when asked by an officer where the mail should have been, they said it would have been in the mailbox across the street from the house. Meantime, police discovered one of the suspects was the subject of two arrest warrants, for theft and assault, and they found drug paraphernalia in the house and in possession of one suspect, so the man and woman were arrested and booked into the King County Jail.
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