West Seattle, Washington
19 Friday
(Images from charging documents, suspect at West Seattle Target allegedly using stolen card)
A suspect in the theft of multiple US Postal Service vehicles and mail – including two West Seattle incidents on which we reported in January – is due in court this afternoon on federal charges. Here’s the announcement from the US Attorney’s Office (we’ve marked the West Seattle-relevant paragraph in bold):
The suspect in a series of mail vehicle and mail key thefts was arrested today on a federal complaint charging him with theft of mail and possession of stolen mail, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown.
Johny Mixayboua, 27, is accused of a string of mail theft incidents involving stolen postal vehicles, stolen postal keys, mail theft, and associated crimes such as identity theft. Mixayboua will appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 2:00 today.
According to the criminal complaint, on December 28, 2022, a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was stolen from the 6300 block of South Bangor Street in Seattle. In the vehicle was a postal key that is used to access the cluster mailbox units in the 98178 zip code. The key allows the postal worker to open the back of the cluster box to deliver mail to multiple households. Since the theft of the vehicle and postal key, there have been numerous reports of cluster boxes in zip code 98178 being opened and mail stolen.
Working with neighbors, the Postal Inspection Service was able to get door camera footage showing the person accessing the postal boxes. Neighbors reported credit cards being stolen and attempts being made to use them. Inspectors were able to review images from when the credit card attempts occurred and ultimately identified Mixayboua as the person stealing the mail and attempting to use the stolen credit cards.
Additionally, local law enforcement determined that vehicles used in a number of the mail theft incidents were reported stolen.
On January 17, 2023, two more Postal Service vehicles were stolen. One in the 3000 block of Beach Drive SW and a second one in the 3600 block of 57th SW. Both are in zip code 98116. Using doorbell camera footage from the block where one of the vehicles were recovered, investigators allegedly saw Mixayboua removing mail and parcels from the stolen postal vehicle and putting them in another vehicle. Again, law enforcement traced credit cards stolen from the mail and obtained surveillance footage that appears to show Mixayboua attempting to make purchases with the credit cards.
On January 30, 2023, a fourth postal vehicle was stolen – this time from the 2000 block of S. Columbian Way in Seattle. On March 28, 2023, a fifth postal vehicle was stolen from the 5700 block of S. 129th Ave. One of the people associated with the theft matches a description of Mixayboua.
In late January and February, the mail theft incidents continued — this time in the Snoqualmie area. The cluster boxes were opened with either a counterfeit or authentic postal key. Again, credit cards were stolen, and one was linked to images of Mixayboua making purchases at Target.
Throughout April, mail thefts continued from as far north as Lake Forest Park and as far south as southeast Seattle.
The postal service halted deliveries in zip code 98118 for about a week while investigators worked to track down and arrest Mixayboua.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has worked diligently to get Mixayboua and his coconspirators into custody. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elyne Vaught.
We’ve just taken a first run through the charging documents; they note that Mixayboua used a stolen credit card for purchasing items from at least three stores and one gas station in West Seattle. We’re still researching and will add anything more of West Seattle relevance here. He is charged with two federal counts, mail theft and possession of stolen mail, so far.
ADDED 12:13 PM: Mixayboua has eight auto-theft-related cases on record in King County, between 2014 and 2018. In the documents for the most-recent case, he was described as a “prolific auto-theft suspect throughout King County.” The 2018 case involved three auto-theft-related counts and one count of eluding; he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
From Castle:
2003 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Stolen from 5611 California Ave SW
5/22/23
License # AAV0983
Case # 23-140296
Bumper sticker ‘Eddie Would Go’
Another Kia theft. This report is from KG:
Stolen 2014 white Kia Sorento. Plates AVL7377. Last seen May 23 [today] around 10 am by SW Admiral Way & 60th Ave SW. Police Report # 23-141978. If seen, please call 911.
For almost three years now, intrepid artists affiliated with Highland Park Improvement Club have been creating A-board art installations outside the fire-shuttered HPIC building at 12th/Holden. This started when SW Holden was traffic-jammed during the bridge closure, and has continued. But today, one of the boards has disappeared. Kay @ HPIC hopes you can help find it:
Someone has made off with one of the HPIC A-Frame signs. Our volunteers complete these as a set and we need all of them to tell our stories. Hoping someone just pulled up and tossed elsewhere! Folks can email us at hpic1919 (at) gmail.com if they see it, and a volunteer can come pick up.
HPIC’s first A-board art installation went up in August 2020, and the art has changed several times since then.
From Phoebe:
2011 Infiniti G37 Sport – 4-door with silver lining and white interior. Stolen last night around 8 from just outside Hall at Fauntleroy – if seen please call 911. License # CGH4399. Police report # 23-141027
5:07 PM: Matt reports this happened around 3 pm today:
During our CYO Pentathlon event at West Seattle Stadium, two parents were bear-maced when they encountered someone stealing catalytic converters in the parking lot. One car had one taken, one car partially damaged when the theft was interrupted.
911 called for paramedics and police. Parents are both as okay as they can be after being maced in the face. Police are off tracking the truck – they believe they saw it hanging around Alki earlier. Picture of the person and their truck attached.
We don’t have the report # yet but if you think you’ve seen the truck, call 911.
ADDED 5:46 PM: Report # is 23-139719.
Two incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch today:
SHORT-LIVED STANDOFF: Thanks for all the tips about a big police response at 35th and Barton. We heard via police radio that someone was holed up in an apartment, but not why. It was just wrapping up when we got there to find out more. Police say it started as a domestic-violence call – a man allegedly pulled a gun during a “heated argument.” A short standoff ensued; officers arrested him around noon. No injuries reported. MONDAY UPDATE: Here’s the SPD summary of the incident:
At 1116 hours, officers responded to a DV disturbance involving a firearm. The suspect grabbed a handgun, made a threat, and pointed it at the two victims. The suspect eventually exited the apartment and was placed in custody. Officers obtained a warrant and recovered two handguns from inside the apartment.
BUSINESS BURGLARY: While out, we got a tip about this – another Morgan Junction business burglary, this time at Whisky West. So we went there to find out more.
That’s the boarded-up front door – two burglars broke the glass to get in around 3:30 am, WW told us. They subsequently sawed open the safe and stole cash. This security-camera image shows one of them leaving:
A neighbor who saw them break in and called 911 said the burglars got away in a silver Subaru Crosstrek.
1:02 AM: SPD and SFD are headed to an apartment in the 7500 block of 24th SW for a report of a robbery and gunfire. Officers told dispatch the victim reported being pistol-whipped but responders aren’t sure yet if they also were shot. Updates to come.
1:08 AM: The victim apparently was not shot, but was assaulted, responders have determined. They’re calling in a K9 to help search, so people in the area may hear the obligatory PA warnings police use to let a suspect know a dog is after them.
1:26 AM: They’ve confirmed gunfire in the apartment, finding at least one shell casing so far.
(WSB photo)
Six weeks after 20-year-old Ka’Don Brown was found shot to death on the southwest end of the Chief Sealth International High School campus, his murder remains unsolved. His family and friends remain anxious for answers. Holding signs reading “Justice for Ka’Don” and “Who Killed Ka’Don?”, they walked to the SPD Southwest Precinct this afternoon for a streetcorner demonstration. The most recent update from police, as reported here, is that they were “waiting on search warrants” – but there have been no public updates in the week-plus since then. If you have any information, the SPD tip line is 206-233-5000.
Jose sent this for a friend who is the latest to have a Kia Soul stolen:
“My Kia Soul (orange) was stolen sometime last night. The car was parked on 59th Avenue SW near Alki Beach around 8 PM. This morning, around 8:30 AM, the car was nowhere to be found. Broken window glass was found where the car was last parked.
Information about the vehicle –
2018 orange Kia Soul
License Plate Number: CES6093
Police Report Number: 23-138415Please keep an eye out.
The photo shows the back of the car, with stickers.
Four West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
STOLEN SILVER SOUL: WSB readers continue spotting stolen cars, so maybe this one is findable too. From Derek;
Looks like my 2019 silver Kia Soul, license plate number CAK0984 ,was stolen last night on a residential street by my apartment complex, 4500 40th Ave SW.. Hoping people can keep a look out for it; it has a crack in the windshield. Police report # 23-137078.
BUSINESS BURGLARY: The mini-mart in Morgan Junction just got burglarized, two months after reopening. The police report says the burglar(s) broke a large window to get in early this morning, and got away with “a large number of tobacco products.”
After obtaining that report, we stopped by for the photo, and store staff confirms that’s what was taken – no cash – and that no one was hurt.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES: Seen in the city permit files this week – the South Delridge 7-11 proposes “installing approximately 22 bollards at the front of the parking stalls so cars cannot drive into the storefront.”
CAR PROWL ON VIDEO: Sent by E:
On California Ave near Myrtle, 5/16 2 AM. Damage to rear door window, no items stolen. Male wearing white shirt walks directly to the car, briefly scopes out, walks around to street side, breaks window, attempts to jump in through the broken window, gets startled by something, starts running away, drops phone, returns to pick up phone, then starts running again. Police report # 23-908233. Also reports of 2 other car prowls in the last 4 days up on Fauntleroy, according to neighbors.
(WSB photo)
8:58 PM: Thanks for the tips. A hit-and-run driver hit and damaged the Taquitos Feliz taco truck at the gas station/mini-mart north of Lincoln Park around 7 pm. Police told us the driver was trying to turn into the gas station but hit the truck instead.
(Photo sent by Nicole)
No serious injuries reported, though SFD was called to the scene a second time to check someone out. The driver was reported to have left the car near the station and gone into Lincoln Park on foot; we don’t know yet if police ever caught up with him.
11:21 PM: Still on the loose, police say. But they did impound his car.
11:52 AM: The truck is open for business, by the way. And so busy, we couldn’t even get close enough to ask a question (we’ll try again later).
For those wondering about the police presence in Westwood – they were looking for a suspect described as wanted in connection with cases including a stolen car and stolen gun. He has been described by dispatch and officers as a Black man in his mid-30s, medium build, no shirt, black shorts, a black hat, white and blue shoes. Officers blocked off the trails north of the shopping center for a while but they’re reopening them now. If you’ve seen anyone matching that description, call 911.
8:17 PM: Police are converging on Delridge and Juneau [map] after gunfire was reported, possibly from vehicles. Officers have told dispatch they’re finding casings from two different guns, apparently rifle and handgun. No reports so far of anyone being hit/hurt. Avoid the area.
8:26 PM: An officer has told dispatch that a “black sedan” that was involved was last seen “southbound near 21st/Myrtle.”
(WSB photos)
8:37 PM: This is on Juneau east of Delridge, between the residences on the north side of the street and Boren STEM K-8 on the south side. Adding photos.
Police are going to reopen the street shortly. They tell us no damage, and the vehicle was further described as a “black newer-model Chrysler 300.”
10:33 PM: Though the city doesn’t record traffic cameras, some private entities do, and one of them caught a bit of this incident on the Delridge/Juneau camera, tweeting it here.
11:55 PM: Police checking out another report of gunfire have found “numerous shell casings” in the 5600 block of 26th SW. They suspect it’s related to the earlier gunfire, as they are reporting two types of casings. They’re also finding vehicles with bullet damage. … Officers have told dispatch that multiple vehicles were struck in the driveway of what they’re referring to as a “problem house” in that block, theorizing it might have been the target.
12:01 PM: Officers have also confirmed a nearby house was hit. So far no reports of injuries. … Looking at nearby homes’ security video, they observed a “black sedan” in this incident too.
Three notes today, following last Saturday’s deadly shooting in Alki:
SHOOTING VICTIM: As added to our original report late yesterday, the victim is now identified as 25-year-old Davonté Sanchez. We don’t have information so far on where he lived but there are numerous online references to his time at Kentwood High School, where he was a basketball standout before graduation in 2016. His former coach remembers Mr. Sanchez: “Heart of Gold and an amazing personality. One of the best people I’ve gotten to know and Coach. Graduated 7 years ago and still gets talked about every season. Truly a special person.” A crowdfunding page has been launched for memorial expenses, with the organizer writing, “He touched so many people’s lives; he was truly one of a kind.” (Photo via GoFundMe.com, used with permission)
INVESTIGATION: Still no word of an arrest or any other updates.
COMMUNITY MEETING: Southwest Precinct police are regular guests at the Alki Community Council‘s monthly meeting, and if you’d like to talk about this or other Alki-area issues, the next meeting is tomorrow night (Thursday, May 18th), 7 pm; you can attend at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online.
Two vehicle thefts in West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
STOLEN BUS: From Brendon:
This 2007 Ford E350 short bus was stolen from the Diamond Parking lot behind Coastline Burgers this past weekend. Hoping maybe someone sees it…
CA plate 8LND966
Police report 23-133197
It was taken sometime between 1 am Sunday and Monday morning.
(2:26 pm update: Found, thanks to commenter tip!)
STOLEN MOTORCYCLE: From Dylan:
My 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 was stolen last night between 12 am-5 am. I’ve already contacted the police and had a report filed around 5:15 am. (Sadly this is the 5th attempt and 2nd successful theft)
License Plate: 6B8243
SPD Incident # 23-134718
Reporting Officer: Patrick Michaud
^^ Contact Info: 206-733-9800If anyone happens to see it, please contact either Officer Michaud, or me at 206-755-3328.
Three weeks ago, the State Legislature adjourned without finalizing a new drug-possession law. Today, in a brief special session, both houses approved a revised version of the same bill that failed in April, SB 5536. Here’s the final version, quickly signed by Gov. Inslee. His website explains it:
Washington state’s new drug possession statute prioritizes treatment, establishes a gross misdemeanor penalty for drug possession and public use of drugs, and offers some local control to municipalities. …
A hallmark of the new bill is the degree of flexibility afforded to courts, prosecutors, municipalities, and community service providers.
The original bill that failed in the final hour of the regular session pre-empted local control. A difference in the latest version, one critical to its bipartisan support, was the continued ability for municipalities to approve or prohibit local “harm reduction” providers. Harm reduction services include needle exchanges, safe injection sites, and other programs designed to prevent disease or overdose. The ultimate bill signed by the governor lets local governments maintain some influence over these activities.
Prosecutors and courts were also granted some discretion in the final bill. Rather than have the Legislature set a rigid course for the new pretrial diversion program, courts and prosecutors may consider other alternatives to traditional prosecution. A defendant with behavioral health issues who is also addicted to drugs may benefit most from inpatient behavioral health treatment. A veteran fighting chemical dependency may be diverted to a veteran’s court program. Conversely, a defendant that has serially rejected treatment may be sent to jail. This flexibility may help courts find the right course for each defendant.
The three West Seattle-residing legislators who represent our area and the rest of the 34th District voted the same way they did in the regular-session vote – Sen. Joe Nguyen voted yes, as did Reo, Joe Fitzgibbon (who is also House Majority Leader), while Rep. Emily Alvarado voted no. The final House roll call was 83-13; in the Senate, 43-6.
That’s the video JC sent, showing the aftermath of a Friday night gunfire incident that we didn’t get details about until today. JC and neighbors just moved into new townhomes in the 5000 block of Delridge Way SW a month ago. Here’s what happened:
On Friday 5/12 at 5:40 pm, one of our units was shot at. I believe the police said there were 7 gunshots, and judging by how many walls they went through, I’ve been told it was likely something stronger than a ‘handgun.’ I’ve attached a video showing the bullet holes going through multiple walls. I was home and heard everything. I heard some loud yelling and audible anger and banging around from the person before the gunshots went off. I did not see the shooter.
No one was hit/hurt. Whether related or not, JC says they’ve been having trouble in their alley with an “abandoned RV” and with someone who has followed/harassed a neighbor. (They’ve reported the RV via Find It Fix It.) The gunfire incident number, if you have any information, is 23-129839.
(WSB photo from Saturday)
Two days after Saturday evening’s deadly shooting near Alki’s Whale Tail Park, a few updates:
-No arrests yet, according to Seattle Police. (They say the arrest of a teenager with a gun during the investigation was not related; that 15-year-old was booked into the Youth Services Center for unlawful gun possession.)
-No other information to release beyond what they said Saturday.
-The victim’s identity has not yet been released by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.
-As we noted earlier today, Parks is planning to close Alki Beach Park (and Golden Gardens) early again this summer. Here’s the announcement sent out since our inquiry:
Seattle Parks and Recreation will enact a second-phase pilot shortening the hours at Golden Gardens and Alki Beach during the 2023 summer months from 4 A.M.-10:30 P.M. from May 26-September 4. And a return to 4 A.M. – 11:30 P.M after September 5th.
The shortened hours will assist in addressing dangerous and/or illegal behavior typical of summer evening uses at these two parks in response to public input and nearby community complaints. This program is a pilot and will be reviewed at a Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners meeting after the Summer to help determine the best operating hours for the public. This review will be informed by public comments from the questionnaire below, public comment given at the Board meeting, and data collected throughout the pilot period.
During the Summer 2023 Season, Seattle Parks and Recreation staff, assisted by Seattle Police Department staff, will begin closing down these two beach locations starting at 10:00 P.M.
Public input can be provided here.
Additionally, designated fire pits will be available for beach fires this summer beginning Saturday (of Memorial Day weekend).
(The announcement seems to have some date discrepancies so we’re checking back with Parks on those.) This will be the third summer of early closings; they followed the same Memorial Day to Labor Daywindow last year; in 2021, Parks made the change after two major incidents in June of that year, the shooting that killed Tilorae Shepherd and the chaotic social-media-organized gathering that drew thousands.
5:10 PM: Parks’ announcement has the correct dates now.
Another stolen work truck – this one, reported by Tom:
My 2005 white F-250, single cab, hydraulic lift gate, with company logo (oval blue “Rainier”) on both doors, was stolen from 44th and Genesee between last night (Sunday 5/15) and early this morning before 6 am. Please keep an eye out. It is hard to miss. I suspect the logo was the first thing to go, though. It’s an older model and a little beat up, with large dents on the panels.
License plate # is B77776V. Police report # 23-132478.
Reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN CAR: In the photo above is Teresa‘s brown Kia Soul, being driven Saturday night by a thief who took it from 35th SW between Henderson and Trenton. Teresa spotted it on 29th SW by Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex: “I looked north and saw a smaller guy standing by my car on the side of the road, doors open on both sides. I was completely stupid in the moment and walked toward him, saying, ‘Hey, that’s my car,’ and he dove in, tried to run over me, and took off south down 29th. I could see him for about six blocks until he curved around on Cambridge.” Plate # is AAN6185, SPD report # is 23-131049.
CAR BREAK-INS: In that general area, with postseason sports still under way, Kamil wanted to issue this warning: “Friday there were two reported car break-ins around the SWAC softball and baseball fields. We believe it was motivated by the Metro League tournament happening at the same time, and both resulted in loss of property and broken windows.” Both happened on SW Trenton, says Kamil, who did not have a police-report # yet.
PACKAGE THEFT: From Katie in North Delridge:
Porch pirate stole a large package off my porch Saturday around noon in broad daylight. Both our security cameras caught him. White male, bald, maroon shirt, gray shorts and sneakers. Happened on 26th Ave. SW. Between Hudson and SW Alaska.
Police report # is 23-130980.
6:38 PM: Police and fire are arriving at Alki for a report of a man shot in the chest. The location has changed a few times on the SFD log – somewhere between 57th and 60th. They’re still looking for the victim but officers have told dispatch they’ve found a car, with blood in it, at Lander and Marine. Updates to come.
6:45 PM: They’ve found the victim and describe him as an “approximately 25-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the chest.” There’s reportedly a second injured person at a different scene.
6:49 PM: It’s very chaotic but responders have said they’ve only found one victim. That man is getting CPR and is with medics near 56th/Alki. Police are closing Alki Avenue from 56th to 57th “for a while.” No one is reported to be in custody so far.
6:58 PM: Added a reader photo. The victim is being taken to Harborview.
7:13 PM: We have a crew in the area. Alki is still taped off in the area.
To the east of this, police are going to block off traffic at Bonair, since they’re noting it’s difficult to turn drivers around at 55th.
7:43 PM: Commenters have noted that this happened in the Whale Tail Park vicinity – police are looking for evidence there:
This SUV nearby has bullet holes:
(Reader photo)
We’re still waiting to hear from the police PIO at the scene.
7:53 PM: After a tip, police have taken a suspect described as an armed juvenile into custody, but we don’t know yet if he’s believed to be a suspect in the shooting.
8:11 PM: The other vehicle reported to have been involved is being towed to SPD evidence processing:
A police officer is being treated nearby for some kind of minor injury.
8:22 PM: Alki Avenue will be reopened (as soon as TV crews move their cars), police say. The ongoing investigation will focus on the Whale Tail Park scene. We found this apparent bullet damage in a window nearby:
8:39 PM: SFD says the victim was still alive, in critical condition, when transported, and has an age update – “approximately 30.”
8:59 PM: Police say the victim has died. Meantime, Seattle Parks is going to close Alki for the night and police are going to start telling people to leave. (added – David Hutchinson‘s video of police announcing the closure:)
9:28 PM: We’re going to upload and add video of the media briefing with Det. Judinna Gulpan but the only additional detail was that first word of the shooting came from a Parking Enforcement Officer who happened to see it, and that they believe the victim was driven from the shooting scene by Whale Tail to the spot where medics and police found him on Alki Avenue. Otherwise, no comment on arrests, descriptions, circumstances. (added – here’s the video:)
10:09 PM: Police have just told dispatch that Alki is “pretty well cleared out.”
10:26 PM: For context, checking the archives, tonight’s victim is the first person shot at Alki since a shooting that injured two people last Halloween. This is the first deadly shooting at Alki since 22-year-old Tilorae Shepherd was killed in June 2021 (the suspect continues to await trial). However, this was the third deadly shooting in West Seattle in five weeks, after 20-year-old Ka’Don Brown was found dead April 8th on the Chief Sealth IHS campus, and 41-year-old Chad Anderson was found dead on 15th SW between Barton and Cambridge last Monday. No arrests reported in either of those cases. The SPD tipline for information on any of these cases, including tonight’s shooting death, is 206-233-5000.
ADDED 11:11 AM SUNDAY: Alki is open today as is Whale Tail Park, with people at both. The SPD mobile precinct and two KCSO Transit Police cars were parked at the beach.
MONDAY AFTERNOON: SPD says no arrests in this case yet – the juvenile-with-gun arrest mentioned above turned out to be unrelated. … Parks confirms they will close Alki early again throughout the summer, starting Memorial Day weekend – details as soon as later today. (We will have a separate followup with these updates and more.)
ADDED WEDNESDAY: Noting for the record, pending a separate story, that the victim was identified today as 25-year-old Davonte Sanchez.
Police are in the vicinity of 17th/Henderson, where they’ve confirmed gunfire – two types of shell casings were found. So far it does NOT appear anyone was shot – they’re calling SFD for other medical problems, one described as a “glass shrapnel” cut. A collision was apparently involved in this too. They’re working on a suspect description.
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