Crime 6657 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Arborist’s blue Chevy pickup truck stolen (update: found)

The report and photo were sent by local arborist Michael Oxman:

Sad to report my pickup was stolen last nite from Delridge/Findlay St. sometime between 10 PM Sunday nite-10 AM Monday morning. Blue 1997 Chevy 3/4 ton with camper shell. Chainsaws, weedeater, blower were inside. SPD Incident # 23-155797. License plate TREEDR

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Found.

FOLLOWUP: Murder, assault, gun charges filed in Roxy’s Casino shootings; previous West Seattle gunfire cases linked

(WSB photo, May 27)

Last week we reported on the arrest of 21-year-old Omar Upham, Jr., in the shootings that killed one person and seriously wounded two others at Roxy’s Casino. Today, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Upham with first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of first-degree unlawful firearm possession. As we reported last week, Upham is a convicted felon, having served time for a 2019 holdup at a West Seattle mini-mart.

The charging documents tell much the same story we reported last week, that Upham went to the casino with the intent to kill security guard John Leota, a former friend and ex-accomplice in another 2019 robbery case. The charging documents reveal this may have been the third time since Upham got out of prison last October that he went after Leota – the other two were West Seattle gunfire incidents covered here. Also new in the charging documents, the casino patron who was killed is identified as Hung Q. Nguyen. Upham is alleged to have walked into the casino at about quarter till 11 Saturday night, May 27th, and shot at Leota, who started running, as Upham continued shooting at him. Also shot and seriously wounded was casino employee Chheng “CJ” Oung. In the casino, police found what the charging papers describe as “four .40 caliber casings and two bullet projectiles.” Subsequent investigation, prosecutors write, revealed this:

During the on-scene investigation, the manager of Roxbury Lanes … stated Leota was hired as a security guard less than a month ago (and he) noted Leota told him he had recently been released from prison, and there were rumors that people were after Leota for being a “snitch.” (At the hospital, Leota’s girlfriend) told (a Detective) that there are a lot of people that have problems with Leota and people call him a “snitch.” … Leota’s brother … also advised several months ago, an unknown suspect shot up Leota’s mother’s house, and in a separate incident, Leota’s vehicle was also shot up. Andrew believed those shootings were related and that Leota was being targeted. Those incidents were confirmed through Seattle PD crime reports, Seattle PD 2022-298318, and 2023-080520. The shooting at the vehicle (2022-298318) occurred on November 5, 2022; a bullet projectile was recovered and four shell casings were recovered from that scene. The shooting at the house (2023-080520), located (in the 6400 block of) 29 Av SW in Seattle, occurred on March 24, 2023. Five 9mm shell casings, a live 9mm round, and a bullet projectile were recovered from that scene.

We had reported on both the incidents mentioned in the documents – November 5 here, March 24 here. The court documents say Leota’s mother no longer lives there. They also mention a warrant search of Upham’s residence, which the arrest form says is in Renton; there, police report finding items including an AR-15 rifle, a 9mm extended magazine, and, in the trunk of Upham’s car, “a stolen .40 caliber Ruger P94 handgun and a .45 caliber Glock-type handgun with an extended loaded magazine.” Both were test-fired by police; subsequent testing revealed a “presumptive match” between the .40 caliber gun and casings found at the casino shooting scene. Upham remains held without bail and will answer the charges at arraignment later this month.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Student attacked; Myers Way assaults; burglary thwarted by neighbor

Four West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

STUDENT ATTACKED: From B, parent of a Denny International Middle School student:

My child is a 7th grade student @ Denny and was walking home after school today on 24th Ave SW (between Thistle & Trenton) when a car pulled over and someone jumped out and physically attacked them.

It was an older car (couldn’t get make – possibly early 2000’s), dark colored, 4-door. The attacker was Caucasian, blond hair. Driver was of Asian descent, hair in a bun, purple hoody. All possibly in their late teens/early 20’s. The attacker swung on my child app. 5 times to the head before getting back in the car and taking off. Something of note – one of the people in the car threw a sandal/slipper out of the car while driving away too.

I’ve reported this to (non-emergency) SPD, Incident # 23-155932.

B says their child is shaken up but otherwise OK.

TWO ATTACKED ON MYERS WAY: A police summary says this happened around 9:20 pm last night at or near the encampment on the east side of Myers Way: “Officers responded to a report of an assault call which involved a large number of motorcycle riders. Two assault victims were located with significant, non-life-threatening injuries and transported to HMC.” Around the same time, we received a report of what looked like a memorial gathering at the scene, where 35-year-old Reginald Moore was shot to death last Tuesday; we don’t know if that was related to the attack.

BURGLARY THWARTED: Last night a suspect was taken into custody after a reported home burglary in the 5600 block of SW Admiral Way. We obtained the report narrative. It says a neighbor called police after seeing an intruder in the house. They saw the intruder filling a backpack and carrying items to a nearby bus stop. Police arrived and found a suspect matching a description given by both the neighbor and the homeowner, who saw him on security video. The items they found included a wallet, speaker, iPhone, camera, glasses, clothes, and guitar. Police say they tried to get him into a parked car but he resisted and eventually an ambulance was called. He eventually was taken to Harborview.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Tony’s Market burglarized; 9th & Hennepin van stolen (update: found)

Two more small local businesses hit by crime:

TONY’S MARKET BURGLARIZED: We just heard from Tony’s Market proprietor Joey Genzale about this by phone. Overnight, someone broke into his business at 35th/Barton and got away with thousands of dollars in produce. Nothing else stolen, he told us – only the produce. The display boxes were left in disarray. He’s hoping somebody saw something – maybe a vehicle there late last night (he left around 9 pm) or early today? We’ll be following up on this tomorrow.

BUSINESS VAN STOLEN: This 1995 Ford Econoline van belonging to the proprietor of 9th & Hennepin Donuts was taken while he was at the commissary kitchen, a friend tells us on his behalf:

My friend Justin Newstrum is the owner of beloved 9th and Hennepin Donuts. His van, which is outfitted as a camper, was stolen while he was working at 5604 Delridge Way SW today. He’s currently making a police report.

Plate # is C14296S. (added) Police report # is 23-154959. Here’s an interior photo:

TUESDAY UPDATE: Thanks to a tip, the van’s been found.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Here’s what we know about the Roxy’s Casino shooting suspect

Court documents reveal that revenge related to a West Seattle robbery case is the alleged motive in the Roxy’s Casino shootings that left one casino patron dead and two employees wounded. The suspect – whose arrest we reported last night – is not yet charged but we are identifying him as he is still in Department of Corrections community custody – our state’s version of parole – for a different West Seattle robbery case. He is 21-year-old Omar A. Upham Jr.; we reported on the charges filed against him in 2019 for a holdup at the 35th/Henderson gas station/mini-mart then known as Lucky 5. He was eventually sentenced to just under four years in prison and was released into community custody last October, according to information we obtained this afternoon from Corrections (which also provided the photo at right).

Now, Upham is being held without bail after a hearing this afternoon. The probable-cause documents provided by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office say his alleged target Saturday night was actually one of the shooting survivors, a casino security guard. From the court documents:

… Witnesses and associates of (the guard) were interviewed, and several of them stated (he) was being sought after (because) he “snitched” on someone involved in a robbery. (The guard) later provided a recorded statement identifying Omar Upham as the person who shot him. (He) and Upham were once friends, but their friendship ended when (he) informed on Upham when they were arrested for robbery. When Upham entered the casino on 5/27/23, (the guard) immediately recognized Upham by his eyes and ran. When asked why Upham was after (him), he replied, “I told on him four years ago.” A search of … criminal history showed an arrest by Seattle PD in 2019, where (he) had identified Upham as an accomplice in a robbery (Seattle PD case no. 2019-441721).

We cross-referenced that to a street robbery in The Junction early Thanksgiving morning 2019, days before the Lucky 5 holdup. His arrest and that of another suspect in December 2019 had numerous West Seattle links, as explained here. Upham pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery in 2021 and was sentenced to 46 months, the low end of the standard sentencing range, though he had prior convictions – as a juvenile – for robbery and assault. His current community-custody supervision was scheduled to run until March 2024. The court documents say he was most recently living in Renton and was arrested early Thursday morning at a Georgetown business described in the documents as his employer.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Myers Way victim ID’d; Junction business burglary; home garage break-in

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

(WSB photo, Tuesday night)

MYERS WAY VICTIM ID’D: In addition to releasing the Don Armeni shooting victim’s name (reported here Thursday), the King County Medical Examiner’s Office also has publicly identified the man killed at a Myers Way encampment Tuesday. He was 35-year-old Reginald Moore. The Medical Examiner says his cause of death was “gunshot wound to the chest” and that the case is officially ruled homicide – police initially weren’t sure when Moore was found dead with “signs of trauma.” No additional info on the investigation so far. This is now the fifth unsolved shooting death in our area in less than two months.

JUNCTION BUSINESS BURGLARY: Thanks for the tip. The West Seattle Smoke Shop in The Junction had a smash-and-grab burglary overnight:

We went to the shop to find out what happened. They tell us somebody broke the glass to get in around 6 am and stole just one specific item – dozens of disposable vape pens. Security video is under review.

HOME GARAGE BREAK-IN: Reader report from Kira:

We live on 12th Ave SW near SW Henderson in Highland Park and had our garage broken into. A black and red backpack with tools was stolen and a couple of moving boxes with clothes and fabric. There may have been more stolen, we are still reconciling.

SPD report # is 23-909224.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect arrested in Roxy’s Casino shootings (updated Friday)

(WSB photo, Saturday night)

9:15 PM THURSDAY: A suspect is in custody in the Roxy’s Casino shootings. That’s according to King County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Glen Brannon, White Center’s new “storefront deputy,” who just announced today’s arrest during the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting we were covering for partner site White Center Now. We’re attempting to get more details from KCSO. The deputy described the shootings as not random, and said they involved a “beef” between two people, the suspect and one of the three victims. Two other people – both casino employees – were not intended targets. (A crowdfunding page is set up for one of them, identified publicly as CJ.) The casino and adjacent Roxbury Lanes, meantime, reopened today; they had been closed since the shootings just before 11 pm Saturday.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON: KCSO’s media-relations office has confirmed the arrest but offered no details – aside from confirming that one victim has died.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Don Armeni Boat Ramp shooting victim identified

(Sunday morning photo sent by Doug)

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the name of the 49-year-old man found shot to death at Don Armeni Boat Ramp early Sunday morning. He is identified as Peyman Shojaei, and his cause of death is listed as “multiple gunshot wounds.” Still no information from SPD on circumstances (we just asked again). Online research suggests Mr. Shojaei was local; his funeral is planned for next week at Forest Lawn Cemetery in High Point, and his name cross-references to an independent trucking business in North Shorewood. If you have any information about the case, SPD’s tipline is 206-233-5000.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Soul; abandoned blue bicycle

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

STOLEN BLACK KIA SOUL: From Darcie:

Vehicle stolen from Delridge Way SW & SW Brandon St between 5/30 and 5/31 7 pm-11 am. Black 2015 Kia Soul, license plate CES6260. If spotted, please report to police. Incident #23-150397

ABANDONED-LIKELY-STOLEN BICYCLE: An anonymous reader sent this photo of a bicycle seen for at least a few days apparently abandoned in the Harbor Avenue area:

Yours? Email us (westseattleblog@gmail.com) and we can connect you with more-specific location info.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Last night’s Admiral search

Last night, around the time we were out covering the Myers Way death investigation, a police search was happening in North Admiral. It eventually involved a K-9 team, and an arrest. We asked SPD today what it was about, and here’s the response: “This was a freshly stolen vehicle in the 2300 block of 44th Ave SW around 7:15 pm. The vehicle was later found dumped in an alley. Witness info, coupled with security footage, helped an officer identify both suspects. One suspect was taken into custody in the area of California Ave SW & SW College St, while the other suspect was not located.”

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green GMC Safari (update: found)

May 31, 2023 9:09 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green GMC Safari (update: found)
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Andy:

Our 2002 Green GMC Safari with a Thule box on top was stolen on 5/30 at approximately 8:30 pm from the corner of 14th Ave SW and SW Holly St. License plate BUE1614. My phone number is 828-575-3747. Police report # 23-149896.

ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: Update from Andy: “Van was seen and confirmed last night at the Westwood Court Apartments behind Staples. Thule box was removed and bike rack was removed. Van may have been spray painted. Please look out for a freshly spray painted GMC Safari with a small lift. Contact Andy at 828 -575 -3747.”

FRIDAY UPDATE: Andy says the van’s been found, in Burien.

UPDATE: Police investigating Myers Way encampment death

9:10 PM: Police have converged on the unsanctioned encampment on the east side of Myers Way, across from the Arrowhead Gardens senior-living complex. They say they’re investigating a death – a man was found dead, “circumstances inknown.” We are at the scene trying to find out more.

9:17 PM: Homicide detectives have arrived.

9:46 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Judinna Gulpan told us at the scene that this was originally called in as some kind of gunfire incident; the man who was found dead had some “signs of trauma,” but that’s all they’re saying right now. It happened somewhere deep within the extensive encampment, which was the subject of a meeting with police, other city reps, and concerned Arrowhead Gardens residents (WSB coverage here) just three weeks ago.

FOLLOWUP: Condition of another Roxy’s Casino shooting victim improves

(WSB photo, Saturday night)

We’ve been seeking followup information today on Saturday night’s three shootings in our area. Law enforcement isn’t releasing any new information in any of the cases. But we’ve learned that the condition of another of the three Roxy’s Casino shooting victims has improved. Harborview Medical Center told us yesterday that the female victim had improved to serious condition, while the two men remained in critical condition; when we checked again this afternoon, HMC said one of the men also has improved to serious condition, leaving one man still critical. The victims have not been publicly identified; WSB commenters say the woman and one man are casino employees. King County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to investigate the shooting, which was reported just before 11 pm Saturday. The only public comment from Roxy’s/Roxbury Lanes, via social media: “We’re remaining closed until Thursday, June 1st. We’re still processing and coping with the tragic event. There are no words except we want to thank the community for commenting, calling and showing support.”

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Graffiti-vandalism ‘rampage’

6:58 PM: We’ve received multiple reports of a wave of graffiti vandalism overnight on the north end of The Junction, on both residential and business buildings.. This report and the photos are from Corey; our policy is to generally not show tagging in full, so we’ve cropped the photos to show just part of the damage. Corey writes:

Some punk went on an absolute graffiti rampage and tagged nearly every building north of the Junction. He got our building too.

Fortunately, the graffiti was on the glass, opposed to the brick like some of our neighbors. I cleaned the graffiti off the glass immediately since I cannot stand to look at this. I wonder if there is something we could collectively do as West Seattle residents to keep an eye out for this activity and call 911 if we see it.

Yes, police DO respond to vandalism-in-progress calls, depending on what else they’re dealing with. Even if you don’t catch it in progress, report it – and after it’s been photographed, remove it as soon as you can, as that’s considered an effective way to dissuade the vandal(s).

9:23 PM: This video shows some of the vandalism – one person etching glass on a building at California/Genesee while another spray-paints:

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 3 thefts – Vespa after collision (update: found), school’s Pride flag, garden plants – plus, dumped-possibly-stolen debit card, keys found

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

VESPA STOLEN AFTER COLLISION: On Friday night, we mentioned a South Delridge collision that left a Vespa rider injured. Today, the rider emailed to report that their Vespa was stolen after the collision:

On Friday, 5/26 around 9 pm I was riding my 1981 Vespa P200e home on SW Delridge. I lost control when the car in front of me made a sudden stop and when I stopped, my scooter fishtailed and I fell off. I hit my head and was unconscious. Should have been wearing my full face.

Fire and emergency were called. I was taken to the hospital and provided care at Harborview.

SPD rolled my collector vehicle Vespa to the sidewalk on SW Trenton and SW Delridge and left it there with no intent of telling me where it was or notifying an emergency contact, or impoundment. I was even informed by the reporting Officer that the Sergeant said to leave it.

It was stolen from the sidewalk while I was unconscious.

I want my scooter back. It means more to me than anything else in the world.

Monday update: The scooter owner found it – repainted and resold – spotting it being driven around.

PRIDE FLAG STOLEN FROM SCHOOL: From Whitney at the Community School of West Seattle (22nd/Roxbury):

Community School of West Seattle’s Pride Flag was removed/stolen (Saturday) night and the flag pole was damaged.

PLANTS STOLEN FROM GARDEN: A North Admiral resident reports:

I had quite a theft of plants in my yard & was wondering if anyone else had this. Some had been there for prob 60 years & others for around 15 years. Just about wiped out one part of south side garden of all herbs and flowers, took ferns on other side of house plus stones.

DUMPED/POSSIBLY STOLEN: Reported by Katherine:

I found a debit card and some keys with an AirTag in the bushes by my house. Looks like they may have been stolen and dumped. The keys have an AirTag with initials. The debit card first name is Z—— and a photo of the keys is below.

I’m happy to reconnect them with the owner/owners, if they can provide a last name or the initials on the air tag.

Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.

FOLLOWUP: Washington State Patrol explains Saturday morning’s West Seattle airplane circling, and more

(Saturday morning photo from Gary)

Early Saturday, after numerous texts, we reported on what turned out to be a Washington State Patrol aircraft circling in multiple areas of West Seattle. We also showed its flight path, looping over other areas of the county before coming here. Commenters added word of WSP on the ground in Seaview (and, as shown above, a photo). Today a WSP news release explains it all (West Seattle is the second case):

Just after 1:00 am yesterday morning, May 27, 2023, Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers were involved in two incidents in which drivers fled from attempted traffic stops.

Eluding #1 – A Pontiac G8 fled from an attempted traffic stop NB SR 167 near 212th in Kent. WSP aircraft followed as the vehicle took the exit to 180th where it got caught up in traffic allowing the ground units to contact the vehicle. The driver was arrested for Felony Eluding and the 17 year old passenger was arrested for illegal possession of a handgun.

Eluding #2 – This occurred in nearly the same location – NB SR 167 approaching I-405 – when two Infiniti sedans were observed at a high rate and fled from an attempted traffic stop. WSP aircraft was able to locate one of the vehicles and began following the vehicle and communicating to the ground units on the direction of travel. The Infiniti continued NB on I-405 to WB I-90, at times turning all lights off and driving in an extremely reckless manner even though there was NO pursuit. WSP aircraft followed the vehicle all the way to SB I-5, then the West Seattle Freeway into West Seattle, where the car was abandoned in an alley. Ground units were guided to the area and were able to place the driver and passenger that fled on foot into custody.

These two incidents display the use of the Aviation Section of the Washington State Patrol as paramount to holding suspects accountable that choose to flee from law enforcement. This creates the safest way possible to reach the goal of safety for all and create a deterrent for this illegal and unsafe behavior. The communication and coordination between the aircraft, WSP District 2/King County ground units and local law enforcement partners allows for this accountability and WILL continue.

We’ll be following up on the people arrested in West Seattle.

CRIME WATCH: Shooting victim found dead at Don Armeni Boat Ramp

6:30 AM: Thanks to Stewart L. for the photos. Homicide and CSI detectives are at Don Armeni Boat Ramp after a shooting victim was found dead.

It happened around 4 am – the initial SFD dispatch was that “armed security found a man down and a bullet nearby.” They tried CPR but it was too late. We’ve just talked with SPD spokesperson Officer Shawn Weismiller, who confirms that a male victim was found dead, and no one is in custody. No other details on the circumstances yet. This was the third shooting incident in our area in the span of five hours, after the Roxy’s Casino and Lincoln Park incidents. And it’s the fourth deadly shooting that SPD has investigated in West Seattle in less than two months, with no arrests in any of these cases yet – 20-year-old Ka’Don Brown, found dead on the Chief Sealth IHS campus April 8th; 41-year-old Chad Anderson, found dead on 15th SW in South Delridge on May 8th; and 25-year-old Davonté Sanchez, killed near Alki’s Whale Tail Park on May 13th.

7:11 AM: The Medical Examiner’s Office has arrived on scene, as shown in that photo from Doug, who says police are asking nearby residents if they saw anything or have any video that might show what happened. The victim was found by the path along the south-end vehicle parking spaces. If you have video or other information for investigators, the SPD tip line is 206-233-5000.

ADDED 9:18 AM: SPD says the victim was 49 years old.

CRIME WATCH: Gunfire in Lincoln Park, teenager shot

11:53 PM: Police checking out reports of gunfire in the Lincoln Park area have found casings in one of the parking lots and one person who is wounded, found just east of the park near 46th/Rose. Updates to come.

11:57 PM: They’re also reporting at least one house hit by gunfire, 8000 block of Fauntleroy Way (right across from the park). Officers have told dispatch they’ve recovered five .45 casings so far. Meantime, the injured person is reported to have been shot in the leg. (Update: Knee.)

(Added: SPD photo)

12:06 AM: Police are reporting a “second scene” in the park, finding shell casings by the baseball diamond.

12:15 AM: According to an SFD radio transmission, the shooting victim is a 15-year-old boy.

12:36 AM: Officers told dispatch that they were told several people in the park were “firing guns into the air.” The victim, meantime, has been taken to the hospital.

12:43 AM: Officers say they have collected six .45 casings from the north parking lot.

CRIME WATCH: Three shot at Roxy’s Casino

11:04 PM: King County Sheriff’s deputies are getting assistance from Seattle Police responding to a report of a shooting victim at or near Roxy’s Casino (28th/Roxbury). No other details yet.

11:26 PM: We don’t have information on the victim’s condition but per SPD, KCSO has one suspect in custody.

11:30 PM: A reader who says he was in the casino when it happened just called. He says three people were shot.

12:24 AM: Our photographer is just back from the scene. KCSO is not commenting, saying they’ll “issue a statement” at some point. Meantime, commenters who were there say one victim died at the scene.

3:30 AM: No statement yet.

7:55 AM: From KCSO Sgt. Eric White :

What we do know at this point is that around 2248 hours last night an unknown person came into Roxbury Lanes Casino located at the 2800 block of SW Roxbury Street in Unincorporated King County and began shooting. KCSO Deputies from White Center, Burien, Sea Tac, Metro and Sound Transit Divisions responded to the scene. As many as three victims were reported to have sustained injuries, and were transported to Harborview Hospital for their injuries. KCSO Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene. The suspect in this is still at large. This case is still an active and open investigation.

ADDED MONDAY: Though Harborview Medical Center usually won’t provide the media with updates on patient conditions without names, they are making an exception in this case. HMC spokesperson Susan Gregg tells WSB that 2 men are in critical condition and one woman is in serious condition. … Also, the casino, bowling alley, and restaurant plan to remain closed until Thursday.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Officers assaulted; stolen Crown Victoria

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

OFFICERS ASSAULTED: A 24-year-old man is in the King County Jail for investigation of assault, malicious harassment, and burglary after an early morning incident in Fauntleroy. The SPD preliminary summary says this happened just after 1 am:

Officers responded to the 9300 block of Fauntleroy Way SW after a 911 caller reported a man trying to break down their door, and then attempting to break into another property at the same location. When contacted by police, the suspect assaulted officers as they took him into custody. Three officers sustained minor injuries and were treated by Seattle Fire at the scene.

STOLEN CROWN VICTORIA: Shannon‘s father’s car was stolen near White Center overnight:

Police case number: 23-144960

License plate number: CCX3694

Car color, model, and year: 2009 white Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Car Identifiers: 2 spotlights and a wraparound push bar in the front of the car

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another stolen Jeep Wrangler

For the second time in three days, we have a reader report about a stolen Jeep Wrangler. This time, from Caitlyn:

Date: 5/25-5/26 between 5 pm and 8 am
Location: 42nd and Genesee, car was parked in front of the West Seattle Christian Church.
Vehicle: 2001 Jeep Wrangler, dark blue, hard top.
Vehicle was locked and no keys were inside.
License: CFV5778

If you have a sighting to call in to police, the report # to refer to is 23-144737.

CRIME WATCH: Car-wash assault; auto-theft attempt

Two reader reports in Crime Watch this afternoon.

CAR-WASH ASSAULT: This happened in White Center but the victim’s mom wanted to get the word out widely:

I just wanted to make readers aware that there is risk of assault at the Car Palace car wash [10450 16th SW]. Two weeks ago, my 19-year old daughter was getting coins from the bill changer at the car wash. It was about 10 am.

She was groped from behind by a man who was about 5’5″ with dark hair. He was filming himself groping her with his camera. When she yelled, he took off running. She was so upset that she unwisely leapt into her car to follow him.

She followed him in her car to a nearby street where he hid under a bush. She then called her dad, who called the police. They saw the man enter a house nearby. They waited for 3 hours for the police, or in this case the sheriff, but no one came. There is currently just one car assigned to White Center.

Last night, the sheriff’s deputy came to interview my daughter. They cannot interview the suspect until the single deputy gets a partner for safety reasons.

At the very least, we’d like to warn other women that Car Palace may not be safe when you are alone, even in broad daylight on a busy street.

(Update: Incident # C23017252.) We’re checking on the KCSO staffing situation, as they recently assigned a new “storefront deputy,” according to briefings at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, which we cover monthly for partner site White Center Now.

CAR-THEFT ATTEMPT: The photo and report are also via email:

On May 21, my car was vandalized in an attempted auto theft on 56th and Alki (and is not functional as the result of an attempted theft and damaged ignition). Attached is a picture. The car was parked outside my residence, and I feel showing this information on West Seattle Blog is instructive for others. A police report was filed.

We’ll add the report number when we get it. (UPDATE: It’s 23-139708.)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gold F-250

May 24, 2023 4:45 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gold F-250
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Here’s another stolen vehicle whose owner hopes you might help find it – Chris sent the photo and report:

2000 Ford F-250 XLT Regular Cab Long Bed
Color: Gold
Stolen between 8 am and 10 am on Wednesday 5/24
40th SW between Brandon and Findlay

It still had a dealer plate on it (Marketplace Auto) but with a temporary License #A6347336 (where they put a paper in the window).