West Seattle, Washington
23 Tuesday
6:00 PM: We’re on the road to check out Night Out parties around West Seattle – thanks in advance to everybody who e-mailed to say we’re welcome to stop by, and to everybody who shares a photo from theirs! Coverage to come.
6:12 PM: We’re stopping first in Westwood, where Aaron sent the invite. Above, a makeshift barricade that seemed synergistic with the just-ended strike. Or maybe just the best thing handy. Driving to this neighborhood, we passed five closed side streets in a row – everybody’s having a block party! More than 1,300 registered, says SPD. Here’s the early turnout on Aaron’s block:
Before leaving WSB HQ in Upper Fauntleroy, we loaned our neighborhood block party the tent we usually take to street fairs. The neighbors are bringing the fun stuff, like Bob with his authentic 1962 World’s Fair souvenir glass:
Our block’s been pretty quiet this year, despite bordering a two-arterial intersection. It’s been almost two years since the wrong-way hit-run crash.
6:30 PM UPDATE: Next stop, the block party in the Hansen View neighborhood, where West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network leaders Karen Berge and Deb Greer reside. And their neighborhood is signing up more neighbors for Block Watch, along with, of course, the block party repast:
6:51 PM UPDATE: From there, we veered over to Howie‘s neighborhood just uphill and west of Avalon/Genesee, where it’s a Hawaiian theme tonight:
They had the most creative flyer we’ve seen – we’ll have to add a link later. Baby Olivia was the youngest partier on hand:
Howie told us that Pagliacci Pizza had come by with three free pizzas. We then got a text saying they’re randomly picking Night Out parties to drop by with freebies – so maybe you’ll see them at yours!
7:04 PM UPDATE: Just south of Gatewood Elementary School, The Whale Trail‘s Donna Sandstrom invited us to stop by her block party. So you won’t be surprised to see what the kids are working on:
The inflatable orca made it into the group shot, too:
To the east of there, on the west-facing slope of Gatewood Hill, Cathy and neighbors had flags for decor – our group shot includes a few of them:
We’re told neighbor Fred decided to put them up. This party also had multiple grills going:
Next stops, Fairmount Springs and Seaview, before we zig-zag south again.
7:25 PM UPDATE: We’re taking neighborhood group shots when we can – here’s Alison‘s block party in Seaview:
And in Fairmount Springs – maybe more like east Morgan Junction – Jennifer and neighbors:
If you use Twitter, while the national hashtag tonight is #NNO, the local one is #seattlenightout. We’re tweeting along the way too.
7:38 PM UPDATE: Let’s call Kate‘s neighborhood east Gatewood, a couple blocks west of Fire Station 37:
And speaking of the Seattle Fire Department, we’re a few blocks east of Westwood Village now and a fire engine has just shown up – SFD and SPD are both making rounds tonight, to block parties that registered in advance on the official police page. Here’s Engine 11 from Station 11 with Amanda and neighbors:
(Minutes later, Engine 11 had to rush off on a call!)
Next party photo came to us via text (thank you!) – same number you text or call 24/7 if there’s breaking news, 206-293-6302:
The text just said that was a block party on 28th SW.
8:10 PM UPDATE: Another photo via text – the kids on 56th SW, Genesee Hill area, are enjoying a bouncy house at their block party:
When that came in, we were in Highland Park, 13th and Cambridge, where Lisa and neighbors gathered:
From there, west to Arbor Heights, where we stopped by JoDean‘s neighborhood – she’s a Block Watch captain and hosted the “Living Room Conversation” event with police that we covered back in March:
By the way, have you noticed the clouds tonight?
8:34 PM UPDATE: Just checked out a party south of The Junction (east of the California SW Rite-Aid), to say hi to Fiona and neighbors:
Meantime, from North Admiral, Erik shared photos from a block party on Palm:
They got a fire-engine visit, too:
By the way, we have also been by a couple that appear to have broken up early – since it’s mostly cloudy tonight, it’s darker than some past Night Outs have been by the last half hour.
8:46 PM UPDATE: That said, we’re now at 48th and Dawson, a few blocks west of the previous stop, where they’ve got a band!
This was probably the biggest party we stopped at all night – and these neighbors are proud of a past WSB group shot, too – Christopher Boffoli photographed them during a previous Night Out and that photo wound up on the SPD Night Out home page!
Very organized group – the dots here track which neighbors were on hand:
(added) From that same party, Nick later shared this photo of the neighborhood kids’ bike parade:
9 PM UPDATE: We wrapped up with a stop at Pagliacci in The Junction to check in on their pizza giveaway, mentioned earlier. Totals: 8 parties, $500 worth of pizza. Here’s the kitchen crew – who were almost too busy to stop for a pic:
Next, we’re adding the photos shared with us from parties we didn’t get to or didn’t know about. Here are the kids at a Belvidere block party:
That photo is courtesy of Sara, who says, “The kids loved having a closed street to play on.” Next, to Pigeon Point, where Pete Spalding (below right) shared photos, including this one of him with mayor/police liaison Harry Bailey (left) and SPD Capt. Joe Kessler, former SW Precinct commander, now the department’s Ethics and Professional Responsibility captain:
Chalk art graced the Pigeon Point party’s asphalt – visible in this photo of visiting Engine 36 from North Delridge:
Here’s a party in a park: Nine families who live just east of Hiawatha gathered there for Night Out:
Thanks to Sarah for the photo. It’s a night for so many to celebrate neighborhood pride; Maureen in the 9000 block of 13th SW in Highland Park wrote, “We have such an awesome block!” as she shared this picture:
Here’s Mark‘s block in Gatewood:
And Claire‘s neighborhood, block-partying in Seaview:
Night Out – originally National Night Out Against Crime – is in its third decade around the country (read its history here). The neighbors who know each other will watch out for each other, so the concept goes, and that ultimately means stronger, safer neighborhoods. If yours isn’t part of a Block Watch yet, you can find out here how to get one started.
If you see that bike, call police – Paul says someone stole it out of his yard on Alki, near 64th and Hinds.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports: First, a resident who requested anonymity says her husband came home from work to discover their home in the 3000 block of 45th SW had been burglarized. Someone broke a window and locked their dogs outside while stealing various valuables. She says a neighbor saw a black SUV around 3 pm that might have been related to the break-in.
And Ryan on 46th between Dakota and Andover says his car was broken into either late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. He notes the prowler broke the street-side rear passenger window.
One more reminder that Night Out – a chance to close your (non-arterial) street and gather with neighbors to talk about looking out for each other – is next Tuesday, 6-9 pm, and Seattle Police hope to have all interested participants signed up by the end of the week – go here. (And if you’re having a block party, let us know too – editor@westseattleblog.com – we’ll have photographers making the rounds again to catch some of the West Seattle street scenes.)
Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes this evening. First, a burglary today at Melissa‘s home:
At around 2 PM this afternoon our house at 36th AVE SW and Cloverdale was broken into. Our window at the side of our house was lifted and then shattered. The intruders had gloves on; when the officer dusted for prints there were only prints from gloves and the officer suspects there were at least two intruders based on his findings. Luckily for us as soon as they set off our motion detector off the alarm sounded and they left our house through our front door, leaving it wide open. The police did respond within 30 minutes. I am not sure what more we can do to protect our home short of getting a guard dog; we have an alarm, an alarm sign in the front of the house that is clearly visible and a smaller dog. Please be on the lookout for suspicious activity or those that don’t belong in our neighborhood and call the police if you do see or suspect something.
A man arrested in West Seattle early today is a suspect in two street robberies – one here, one in Capitol Hill – according to police, who are still seeking a second suspect. From the report published on SPD Blotter this afternoon by Det. Jeff Kappel:
At approximately 1:00 a.m. this morning the two female victims, 26 and 27 years of age, were walking in the area of Delridge and Genesee when they were confronted by two black male suspects. One asked for a cigarette which the victims didn’t have. Both victims continued walking. A couple seconds later they were approached from behind by one of the suspects. This time he was armed with a handgun and demanded their purses.
At the same time a witness was leaving his house to walk his dog and interrupted the robbery, causing the suspect to run off. The witness and the victims chased the suspect and observed him enter a waiting vehicle driven by a second suspect at 25th and Genesee.
Four West Seattle Crime Watch reports so far this weekend, starting with a hit-run that left the above-shown damage on Kami and Martin‘s car:
Someone hit our car early (Saturday) morning and drove off. The sound of the crash woke me, but by the time I looked out the window they were gone. It happened about 2:15 am. Our car is parked in High Point at 29th & Raymond. Their car must be pretty damaged, as we cannot even drive ours. They left some blue paint on our car and mirror and glass on the road. Their car (probably a blue color) would have damage to the driver’s side from the headlight down the side, damaged side mirror and headlight and probably some black paint on it from our car. It is just disturbing that someone leaves the scene like this and costs a family a $1,000 deductible, rental car and towing expense.
Ahead, three notes including two cases of car prowling, both spotted in progress overnight:
11:37 AM: Thanks to Jackie for the tip – the stolen Ford Explorer that police were looking for has been found. We published their request for help last night – they said the SUV was linked to a burglary/car prowl case and, while they had arrested a suspect, they needed to find the vehicle, and figured it would still be in north West Seattle somewhere. Indeed – it turned up on an off-the-beaten-track street near Schmitz Park, Jackie told us. Bruce, who spotted it and called it in last night, shared the photo of the vehicle getting towed away. We’re checking with police to see if there’s anything more to say about the case.
12:31 PM UPDATE: Sgt. Joe Bauer says regarding the suspect in this case, “the guy was pretty busy yesterday. He was caught due to the great descriptions and help from the community. Our hats are off to our West Seattle residents!”
Police are asking for help tonight – they are looking for a stolen Ford Explorer, dark green with Washington license 886VBR, which they say is linked to a burglary and car prowl. They’ve arrested a suspect, but need to find the vehicle, which may be in the Genesee area or could be elsewhere in the north West Seattle area. It’s likely parked, with stolen items possibly inside, according to police, who ask that you call 911 if you see it.
Two weeks ago, we reported on the charges filed against 37-year-old Sothany Sok, the West Seattle man arrested for allegedly ramming four police cars during a bizarre incident on Sunday morning, July 8th, which started at Don Armeni, went west on Alki, then back east, and finally ended just after he turned onto the north end of Delridge and was blocked by police. Sok is charged with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of attempting to elude a pursuing police car. He was scheduled to appear for arraignment today, to answer the charges, but instead, his arraignment was postponed to August 8th – the judge “ordered him to undergo a mental evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial,” according to Dan Donohoe from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He remains jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.
(Photos by Patrick Sand for West Seattle Blog/White Center Now)
10:29 AM: Just getting word of a robbery reported at Chase Bank in White Center. Seattle Police are helping search. There’s word of a possible suspect found to the south, but the search will continue until and unless that is verified.
10:41 AM UPDATE: We were at the location where police took the possible suspect into custody, 19th and 104th – photos to come – checking with KCSO to see if they believe that’s the robber. (update) Sgt. Cindi West says yes, they do.
11:01 AM UPDATE: Sgt. West has just spoken with media at the bank. She says that deputies spotted the suspect “jogging” — reinforcements came in, they stopped him, and found a gun and a bag in his possession. She says that the robber did show a gun in the bank. We have her interview on video and arrest-scene photos to be added when our crew’s back at HQ.
11:33 AM UPDATE: Just added the above clip, with Sgt. West explaining what happened, and saying the suspect – first spotted by a sergeant – was being taken to jail.
We start off this West Seattle Crime Watch reader-report roundup with Sean asking you to help find his car:
My 1997 Honda Accord Wagon, dark green, license plate # 327 VUF, was stolen last night, between 10 pm and 9 am on the 3300 block of 30th ave SW, right off Harbor Ave. and the WS bridge. Police said it will likely be left in the neighborhood. Please keep a lookout.
West Seattleite Lauren is looking for her car too – stolen just a bit outside this area:
know this is a long-shot, but my car was stolen from near 1st Ave S. and Holgate (Sodo) this past Thursday. I live in West Seattle, so I thought I would e-mail just to see if anyone would keep an eye out for it. The SPD told me they have a 95% recovery rate, but so far I’ve heard nothing, so I’m starting to lose hope. I moved here this past February from Texas, so my car still has Texas plates. It’s a 1997 white Honda Civic 2-door coupe with TX plates 721-GVR. There’s a slight dent in the hood on the driver’s side. If anyone would keep an eye out for it and call the police if they see it, I would really appreciate it.
Three more reports ahead – hit-run, mail theft, and harassment:Read More
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
4:55 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s been texting us about police activity in Highland Park, 18th and Myrtle vicinity. Lt. Pierre Davis explains that “SPD units assisted Renton PD with a stolen vehicle that ended up in our jurisdiction. A high-risk stop was conducted. 3 are in custody.” High-risk stop is when you see police with guns drawn.
5:35 PM: Just added photos. This is barely a block east of Sanislo Elementary, in case you’re trying to place the location:
Busy night on the scanner so far. Big calls have included a briefly major response to a reported possible shooting in Admiral, which turned out to be a complete false alarm (the caller apparently was actually just asking about a shooting investigation from last year). But the biggest so far has netted one arrest during an intensive search in the Riverview area: Police arrested a suspect after a hit-run crash near 12th and Orchard (map) involving a reported stolen car. According to scanner traffic and reader reports, it unfolded this way: First police noticed the car driving erratically along various streets in eastern West Seattle. That came to a stop when the car hit a parked truck. The driver and two passengers were reported to have fled the scene. Police, including a K-9 team, started searching. A man in his early 20s, believed to be the driver, was arrested; Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams tells WSB he will be “booked for investigation of auto theft and outstanding warrants.” The passengers, at least one of whom was female, are still at large as of this writing.
We’ve received more than a few reports of bicycles left behind at crime scenes – but this is the first time we recalling hearing a Segway left behind! The photo is from Jennifer, who explained that she found it near where two neighbors’ cars were broken into overnight in the 6600 block of Holly Place SW. Moments after her first note, before we even started writing this story, she sent a second note to say that the owner of a local rental business – contacted by a friend of hers – came to get it, and said, she wrote, “it was stolen from his carport and that it didn’t even run. He said they had to push or pull it over here. He said it was probably pretty difficult since there is resistance in the wheels.”
Meantime, while we’re not sure it’s from a theft, we’re also taking the occasion to mention a mystery bicycle that’s shown up – not too far (likely coincidentally, but you never know) from the above discovery:
Patty sent the photo and reports: “I found this bike in my boulevard strip this morning. It has a rear wheel lock on it, so it is not ridable unless you have the key for that. It is a 6-speed, with brown leather seat, front luggage rack & a headlamp. Obviously somebody’s commuter bike. I don’t know why it is here but figure it may be stolen and just dumped in front of my house. If the rightful owner wants to come by, I left it propped against my recycle bins by the sidewalk. 39th Ave SW between Othello and Webster.”
12:51 PM UPDATE: Patty says they’ve found the bike’s owner, who lives nearby. It was apparently stolen just last night.
Finally got some information about the incident that brought the law-enforcement helicopter Guardian One to the Highland Park/White Center area early this morning – several people called, e-mailed and texted us about it in the 2 am hour, but we couldn’t find out at the time what was going on. Now we know that it involved a report of gunfire near 17th and 98th in White Center – first word of that came thanks to a comment on the WSB Facebook page, and it was confirmed by King County Sheriff’s Deputy BJ Myers, with whom we just talked at White Center Jubilee Days (where we’re tabling today on behalf of our partner site White Center Now). No proof of the reported gunfire, though – nobody hurt, no property damage, no shell casings found. A suspect was reported to have been seen running; deputies did make one arrest of a person who they say had a gun, but no one has identified him as having been involved with the alleged gunfire.
(Added 5:23 pm – WSB video of the entire hearing, unedited)
2:20 PM: We’re in King County Superior Court, where Judge John Erlick will sentence Angelo Felice for the February 2011 murder of vaudeville entertainer Hokum W. Jeebs at his home in Fauntleroy. 
On June 13th, we brought you first word of a plea bargain for Felice, who admitted to stabbing Jeebs to death. According to court documents from last month, prosecutors will recommend 11 1/2 years for Felice, who had moved from the East Coast a short time before the murder. Family and friends are filling rows in the courtroom, and some of them will speak to the judge.
2:23 PM: The hearing has begun. The prosecutor is recapping the plea bargain, which brought the charge down to second-degree murder, but says the state had no doubt Felice killed Mr. Jeebs. She mentions letters written to the court, and that the detectives who investigated the case are here. At least three people will speak, she says, starting with Mr. Jeebs’ longtime partner Anita. “It was hard for me to decide what to say today,” she begins, “describing Hokum and our life together, and what his loss has meant to me.” She is speaking to her partner’s killer, as well as to her friends. She describes “what a wonderful and unique person Hokum was … funny, unique, incredibly talented… we had a wonderful life together .. We are all going to lose our loved ones someday … (but) murder is particularly difficult, because someone made an intentional decision” to kill the victim. She is speaking calmly, and says it was hard to know her beloved “in his last moments was terrified.” She mentions the role of a WSB commenter as well as police in finding Felice. “No amount of prison time can bring back what we lost,” she says, so she has chosen “to embrace caring” and asks people to embrace life and light, and set an example for young people. Some in the gallery are crying. She quotes, “… may we care for one another, may we realize how precious we are, and I hope that you realize that someday, Angelo.”
2:28 PM: Speaking next, Tony, a friend of the victim. “I very very dearly miss my friend,” he begins. He mentions what court documents had said about Felice wanting to rob people, and Mr. Jeebs “not being a cooperative victim. … He went to the house to commit robbery, and ended up viciously murdering my friend.” He too thanks WSB (the commenters with sightings) as well as police, and says he is “sickened” to realize that Felice might be out in less than 11 years. “Sadly, I am convinced the world has more of this to look forward to when he is released … I hope not, I really do.” He asks the judge to consider sentencing Felice to the longest term possible (which would be 220 months, about 18 years). “Rest in peace, Hokum,” he concludes.
2:33 PM: Another friend, Michael, is next. He says he worked with Mr. Jeebs and was known as “Chumley.” He begins by reading a letter from another vaudeville colleague who had worked with Mr. Jeebs in the Bay Area in the late ’70s. Then, Michael himself says, “It was so unnecessary … you took a dear friend, an uncle to my kids .. my only wish is that you develop a conscience and are tormented by it until it motivates you to do something.” He becomes emotional, as do more in the gallery. After him, the defense lawyer says they feel the recommendation is fair. The judge offers Felice a chance to speak. He does: “My actions took away some one you love and there’s no amount of .. apologies that can … bring him back,” Felice says. “Every day I’ve had to wake up knowing what I did … there is nothing I can do to bring anyone back, no amount of apologies that I can say … when I get out I (will) try to help someone else from making the mistake I did. I’m sorry,” he says, turning to the gallery, “there’s nothing I can do.”
2:39 PM: “This is a tragedy all around,” says the judge, for a “young man” headed to prison, with an upbringing as “the proverbial lost soul,” and for the victim and his loved one. He says, “Nobody really knows what happened that night, except for one person here …The victim is not here himself to defend himself or his actions … there is no action that can justify having his life cut short like this.” Judge Erlick explains that he usually gives deference to what the two sides have worked out, but says he’s able to be independent … adding, “there is nothing I can do today to bring back Hokum, but to try to give justice for this senseless crime.” He adds time: 175 months, almost 3 years longer than the prosecution had recommended. The hearing is in essence over, as paperwork and formalities are handled. Three years of probation (community custody) will await Felice after he leaves prison. (We recorded the entire 20-minute hearing on video and will upload it as soon as possible, to add to the story.)
1:35 PM: Earlier this week, we showed you a photo circulated by the King County Sheriff’s Office, showing the man they say robbed the White Center KeyBank last Friday (as reported here, right after a helicopter joined the search). Today he’s in jail, according to KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West. She says tips led to the arrest; he has not yet been charged, so we aren’t identifying him, but she says he is a 21-year-old Seattle resident. A decision on charges is expected next week.
2:15 PM UPDATE: Sgt. West has issued a news release with one more detail – that deputies “arrested the suspect late Wednesday evening near S 177 and 1st Ave S.”
From SPD Blotter: A man is in jail, facing charges of malicious harassment (hate crime) and malicious mischief, after costly vandalism at a Muslim community center Tuesday night. SPD’s Jonah Spangenthal-Lee writes that the man told police he smashed windows at the building near 35th and Holly because he “hates Muslims.” Police say two city maintenance workers heard it happen, saw the suspect, called 911, and helped police find him at High Point Community Center a few blocks away.
In West Seattle Crime Watch today, three more reader reports of car prowling/break-ins – read on for details, including what the prowlers did – and did NOT! – take:Read More
Last Friday afternoon, multiple tips led us to report on a helicopter and ground search in Highland Park related to a bank robbery in White Center. Today, the King County Sheriff’s Office has gone public with a photo of the robber – so we’re sharing it here as well as on our WC site:
The King County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying a man who robbed a bank last Friday afternoon in the White Center area.
The incident occurred at the Key Bank in the 9600 block of SW 17th around 4pm on July 13th. The suspect entered the bank and produced a note demanding money. The suspect fled on foot northbound towards Roxbury.
The suspect is described as a white man, 24-27, 5’ 6”- 5’8” with a skinny build. He was last seen wearing glasses, a dark zippered hoodie, a dark t-shirt, and gray knit cap.
If you have information about this crime please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and charges in this case. You can remain anonymous. Call 1-800-222-TIPS.
**You must call Crime Stoppers with the tip in order to be eligible for the reward!**
(Photo by Sage K)
12:31 PM: Still working to find out what’s going on but Delridge is blocked off at and around the Boren Building – avoid the area. More to come.
12:38 PM: The road has reopened. Lt. Pierre Davis tells us at the scene that it involved shots fired – no one hurt – two people in custody – shell casings found. It actually happened in the 5600 block of Delridge (we originally mentioned the Boren school building, but it turns out police were just staging there).
1:33 PM: Adding a photo from Sage K, taken during the half-hour road closure – the photo was taken looking northeast over the Delridge/Juneau intersection. Police also say that some kind of argument/fight preceded the firing of shots. When they first arrived, Lt. Davis tells WSB, they talked to witnesses who had seen that, and that’s what led them to the two suspects, who were in an apartment in the 5600 block.
2:43 PM UPDATE: Some new information has just been published via SPD Blotter. Police say the Gang Unit is investigating this, and that they arrested three people in all.
Caveat before you think it’s a sudden crime wave: This is another roundup with several days of reader reports. First one happened at a local school:
We took that photo at the Schmitz Park Elementary playground gate after a call (206-293-6302 any time) this morning. A driver apparently plowed into it very early today, doing damage including knocking down a tiled bollard. Seattle Police are investigating, Seattle Public Schools confirms; the person who called us said the driver apparently bolted.
Also early this morning, Matthew reported hearing five gunshots from his home in the 40th/Genesee area just after 3 am. Though it may be impossible to prove whether this is related, we heard late today from Ryan near 48th and Alaska, who says he found a 9-millimeter bullet casing on his front steps this morning – something he didn’t recall seeing when returning home late last night after a trip out of town. (We advised him to report it to SPD.)
Six more reader reports from the past few days are ahead:Read More
3:28 PM: If you’ve noticed the police search in the Gatewood/Fauntleroy area – they are looking for someone who might have fired gunshots, no injuries but possible damage found to a fence. The suspect was last seen on SW Willow headed toward Fauntleroy (map) and southbound on Fauntleroy, so they are checking Lincoln Park, too. The suspect was described on the scanner as white, male, around 18, 5’6″, wearing a baseball cap, black shirt, jeans (but keep in mind, that was just a preliminary description).
3:35 PM UPDATE: People in the area tell us that police are searching with rifles out, which would be standard given the nature of the call. Scanner says they’ve heard from workers in the area who think it might have been firecrackers and not gunshots. Search continues.
4:07 PM UPDATE: No luck finding anyone.
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