West Seattle, Washington
25 Monday
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN WINNEBAGO: Via text:
Stolen 1999 Winnebago Minnie, white
Reported to SPD
Incident number 22-183417
Last seen July 14th on corner of Hudson Street and 51st Avenue SW
Plate number 911 VBD
Distinct lettering on spare tire cover with the name “Helga”
Lettering on back of vehicle “There And Back Again”
MONDAY UPDATE: Found, on Beacon Hill.
CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THEFT: Via text:
Another catalytic converter – happened yesterday at 1:30 in the morning across from Westwood Village. Incident 22-183706
DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BICYCLE: Michael discovered this abandoned bike:
He found it east of Fairmount Playfield. If it’s yours, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.
Two reader reports, plus a quick followup, in West Seattle Crime Watch (also, added 11:56 am, a police report from early this morning:
(added) STOLEN CAR WITH POSSIBLE BULLET HOLE: Just added to the list of police reports from this morning:
On 07-15-2022 at 0426 hours, officers responded to the 2500 block of Harbor Ave SW and saw an unoccupied Renton PD stolen vehicle with damage to the front driver side window. The damage consisted of what appeared to be a possible bullet hole to the window. The rear passenger side window also was damaged. Officers checked the location but didn’t locate any additional evidence of a shooting.
(back to original roundup) BAREFOOT PROWLER: From Traci:
This guy walked around my house onto my back deck (Wednesday) night around 8 pm. He tried to say something to me through the windows. I yelled at him to leave. Then he wandered into my backyard. I told him that I was calling the cops. Then finally left. Unfortunately I didn’t get him on camera. Then (Thursday) morning at 5:22 am he showed up again on my cameras shoeless. He saw me and then left. The police showed up quickly and took my info for him to be charged with trespassing. Be on the lookout around Charlestown and 33rd SW area. He has very dirty clothes on and seems to have lost his shoes. My neighbor had him on their front-door camera as well.
Others in the area reported the same man knocking on doors early Thursday.
DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BICYCLE: From John:
This children’s Mongoose Racer was left in the alleyway behind Avalon Way … Looks like it was abandoned Wednesday.
If you know whose bicycle this is, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you with John.
P.S. – MOTORCYCLE FINALLY FOUND: Almost two months ago, Joshua reported his motorcycle stolen. He sent a note to say it was finally found this week, on Yesler Way.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
AUTO-THEFT ATTEMPT: Erika has a report that also serves as an alert:
I live in a relatively quiet, but not dead street in Delridge neighborhood near Home Depot. Yesterday around 4pm, broad daylight and while we were home, someone (s) attempted to steal our Kia Sorento. In a span of 30 mins( time span caught by security camera in the neighborhood) they managed to smash my back window in, rip the steering column cover off to attempt to hotwire the car and also attempted to steal the catalytic converter.
My neighbors and I are a little shocked ( maybe naively) that this happened in broad daylight, on a street that has fairly consistent traffic ( cars, bicyclists, dog walkers, etc) and they boldly did this without concern of being caught.
I have reported to the police and they have the video footage, but they said there has been an uptick in daylight thefts occurring so wanted to make the community aware.
STOLEN PLANTS: Erin sends an alert for gardeners:
I’m writing to report that some Gatewood neighbors on 37th and Ida had several very healthy tomato plants in pots in their parking strip stolen in the middle of the night earlier this week. This is an especially cruel form of unneighborly crime and I am so disheartened to know anyone would stoop so low as to steal another human being’s future summer bounty. Watch your plants, neighbors!
Tonight the 48-year-old man arrested outside U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal‘s Arbor Heights home last Saturday night was released from jail. We first noticed his release on the county inmate roster and confirmed with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office that he was released as required because he had not yet been charged. The KCPAO says that doesn’t mean he won’t eventually be charged – they are still working on the case: “The suspect’s alleged language and actions, coupled with his possession of a concealed weapon, deserve the full attention of the justice system. Presently, the investigation is ongoing and our office is working with police investigators to make sure we understand the full extent of the suspect’s actions to build the strongest case possible.”
A different action has been taken against the man, also an Arbor Heights resident. As first reported by The Seattle Times – SPD obtained an Extreme Risk Protection Order (explained here) to keep him from possessing a gun. We have obtained those court documents. They say that in addition to the handgun seized from him the night of his arrest, the suspect “expressed an intent to purchase an AK47 for protection” while talking with police Saturday. The documents also say that he admitted to police “that since June 29th he has driven past Pramila’s residence three to seven separate times while yelling obscenities toward Pramila and her political party.” Two of those times were on Saturday. The first time, police say, he admitted to driving there with his adult son and exiting the vehicle and shouting ‘F— you, Pramila’ (but) denied making any statements about her ethnicity/race (and also) denied making statements telling (her) to kill herself and stated he did not know if his son made that statement.” Police say the second time he drove there, he got out of his vehicle and yelled “Hey a–h—, I’m your new f—ing neighbor.” The documents say a neighbor’s security camera recorded that but also recorded a voice saying other obscenities and “Tell Pramila to kill herself.” The recording also includes what police described as “a sound that sounds like something metal being manipulated,” and they speculated it could have been a handgun being racked, or the metal poles for the tent the man was trying to set up.
The documents go on to say that the man had demonstrated “escalating behavior” toward Rep. Jayapal, including email sent to her in January “stating his dislike toward her due to her perceived political wrongdoings.” The documents also suggest that even if the behavior does not qualify as a hate crime, stalking charges are possible. They say the Glock handgun found in his waistband on Saturday night was the only gun he was known to have, so that’s all that’s listed in the order, though it also prohibits him from possessing or seeking to possess any other guns. King County Superior Court Judge Matthew Segal granted the Extreme Risk Protection Order on a temporary basis; a hearing will be held July 26th on whether to extend it.
Maybe you can help find Christopher‘s stolen pickup truck:
White 2007 Chevrolet 1500 extended-cab pickup
Deluxe steel tool box… tinted windows
Chrome wheels, perfect condition
Arizona license plate ALS6058
Stolen from 51st Ave SW early Tuesday morning.
SPD incident # is 22-179787.
Also in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight, three reader reports:
MUSICAL ACCESSORIES STOLEN: From Kelly:
Sometime between midnight and 4:35 pm today (7/11), my car, a white Subaru Outback, was prowled in front of my home on 39th Avenue SW, near West Seattle Bowl. The thief/thieves got away with two musical instrument cases. One is a Iron Cobra model kick pedal, and the other is a DW model carrying case that was filled with microphones, cables, and various guitar and percussion parts and accessories, small hardware like pliers and screwdrivers, towels.
If anything turns up (I searched the nearby streets and alleys) please contact me, Kelly, at 206-478-3752. Thanks very much!
BICYCLE THIEF ON CANERA: Joe‘s bicycle was stolen from his back yard near 35th/Morgan:
Here’s a photo of the bicycle, in case you find it abandoned somewhere:
DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BIKE: Terrie found this:
We found a bike on our street that looks like it might have been stolen and dumped. Tires are flat and it might be damaged but maybe someone wants it back?
If it might be yours, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.
6:49 PM: A 48-year-old man is jailed at the Regional Justice Center tonight, bail set at $500,000, after he was arrested outside the Arbor Heights home of U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, armed with a handgun. Police say he was arrested just before 11:30 pm Saturday after a 911 call reporting someone driving by, yelling obscenities. According to probable-cause documents, a neighbor said the shouting included something like “Go back to India, I’m going to kill you.” Police say the suspect was standing in the street when they arrived, hands in the air, a .40-caliber Glock handgun holstered on his waist. The court documents say he told them he knew who lived at the house, and that he wanted to pitch a tent on their property. Public records including the probable-cause documents show he lives several blocks from where he was arrested. Today was his first appearance; he is not yet charged, but is being held for investigation of malicious harassment. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office argued successfully for the amount of bail that was set, but their request for a criminal harassment protection order was denied. The KCPAO says the suspect has no known criminal history, and a check of records verifies that.
8:37 PM: Rep. Jayapal’s office has sent a statement:
Congresswoman Jayapal confirms that incidents occurred at her Seattle home on Saturday night when she was present. The Congresswoman and her family are safe and appreciate the many calls and good wishes she is receiving from constituents. She is very grateful for the swift and professional response from the Seattle Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the FBI investigators who are working together diligently on the investigation and ensuring that she and her family stay safe. Because this is an ongoing investigation, she will not be commenting further at this time.
WEDNESDAY EVENING UPDATE: According to the county jail register, the suspect was released late today and as far as we can tell has not been formally charged so far.
Brian lives at a condo building on Avalon Way that was broken into early today – not the first break-in, he says. He forwarded the message sent to residents by their homeowner association’s president, with photos including the ones shown below with part of the message:
One of our residents was walking his dog and came across a bunch of packages in the brush. He looked at them and realized they belonged to residents of Luna Court. …
On Saturday, July 9, about 2:23 AM, two people gained access to the front of the building through the front door. Marks on the Door King System postal lock appear to have been made with a pair of pliers.
Packages were taken.
I reviewed the security camera footage for the camera outside the front door and was able to copy some frames of the thieves. I filed a report with the Seattle Police. … SPD report Number. 22-176794
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
HARASSMENT/THREATS: Via email:
My wife and I live in the Junction, and were harassed and terrorized in the middle of the night around 1 AM in our home.
A group of 3-4 males (mid/late 20s or early 30s) in a large dark-colored SUV parked outside of our home, and banged on our windows/doors repeatedly trying to enter the home. The individuals also circled the block several times, shouting explicit threats before driving off. We believe we have the address of one of the individuals and have already reported this individual’s address to the authorities.
Please be on the lookout and be aware of any similar activity in the next few days and weeks. Also please reach out if you have any additional information on who these individuals may be. We believe they may be local to West Seattle.
We’ve asked the victim for the police incident # and will add it when we get it.
VANDALISM: Jennifer at West Bay Coffee reports that the for-sale building next to her stand (2255 Harbor Avenue SW) has become a repeat target for graffiti vandalism. The latest, she says, happened this morning at 4 am.
DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BICYCLE: Via email:
I found this bike in the woods on the east side of Beach Drive SW, 6000 block. I presume it was stolen and dumped, since it was somewhat hidden. It is off on the side of the street. If anyone recognizes it, or needs a bike (and can do a little repair work), come and get it.
One or both of these might be of interest:
ISLAND VIEW BLOCK WATCH: Two months ago, a resident of this complex was carjacked, and that brought safety concerns in the spotlight. Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner asked us to publish this announcement:
Date: Tuesday July 12th
Time: 6 pm- 7 pm
Location: Island View SHA Senior Living Community (3033 California Ave SW)
Topic: Community Safety and Block Watch
Please join us if you live within a few blocks of Island View to speak about what Block Watch is all about, how to report suspicious and/or criminal activity and how to assist in making your community safer.
COMMUNITY-POLICE DIALOGUES: Wherever you live in West Seattle, you’re invited to a conversation with police and researchers. Here’s the invitation:
Seattle University collaborates with the Seattle Police Department to conduct the annual Seattle Public Safety Survey as part of the Micro-Community Policing Plans (MCPP). As part of the MCPP, Seattle University will be holding a series of virtual community-police dialogues. The purpose of the dialogues is to provide community members and Seattle Police personnel opportunity to engage in conversation about the findings of the 2021 Seattle Public Safety Survey and to discuss real-time concerns about crime and public safety at the precinct and micro-community (neighborhood) level.
You don’t have to live in one of the MCPP neighborhoods to participate in the next Southwest Precinct-specific dialogue; it’s happening online at 5:30 pm Thursday, July 14th. If you’re interested, the registration link is here.
Three more Crime Watch reports:
STORE ROBBERY: The California/Charlestown 7-11 was held up early this morning. According to the preliminary police summary, two people walked into the store at quarter till 5; one pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money. The report says they then “grabbed the cash and also took some tobacco products, (then) left the store (and) got into a possible Toyota Prius and fled at a high rate of speed.” Only descriptive info in the summary is that the robber with the gun was wearing gloves. SPD incident # 2022-173146.
STOLEN TRUCK: Texter reports their 1993 dark blue Ford Ranger truck was stolen early this morning from 34th/Holden. It has silver Harley-Davidson decals on both side windows and the rear passenger window, plus a Go Cougs decal on the driver’s side. Plate C20333X; the owner notes, “Still had the temp. in the back window, just got the plate on Saturday.” SPD incident # 2022-173230.
PROWLER: Eric emailed to report a prowler at 1 am near 34th/Spokane: “Police were called. When they arrived he was told to leave. Prowler would not leave when told by neighbors. No known theft.” SPD incident # 2022-173033.
The White Center Food Bank, which also serves people in south West Seattle, was hit by burglars over the holiday weekend. We got a tip about this on Tuesday and inquired; here’s the info we received today in response:
Over the 4th of July holiday weekend the administrative area of the White Center Food Bank was broken into and burglarized.
We lost computers, tools, grow lights for our garden, headphones, other electronics, and more that we are still trying to sort out.
Please keep an eye out for anyone selling or dumping these items and please let us know at admin@whitecenterfoodbank.org.
This is heartbreaking for a non-profit food bank with the sole intent of serving our neighbors, but we know we will get through it with our community’s support. We are filing an insurance claim, but if you wish to support the recovery of stolen items, we have set up a ‘Theft Recovery Fund’ designation on our donation website: https://whitecenterfoodbank.networkforgood.com
One more reader report from the inbox tonight – Leif is still looking for this car stolen two weeks ago:
It was taken near Westwood Village on June 20th. It’s a gray 2014 Audi S5 two-door coupe, license # BVX4687, SPD incident # is 2022-157621.
STABBING FOLLOWUP: Last night we briefly noted a dispatch for a woman stabbed in the arm at California/Alaska, but had no information on circumstances. Today we have the preliminary summary report from SPD, which says a man called 911 to say he had stabbed a woman after an argument. He said he was upset with the woman because she was making noise banging a pole with a metal rod. He told her to “shut up” and then tried to take away the rod. At that point, the summary says, “During the entanglement, the (man) cut the victim with his pocket-knife, causing an approximately 4-inch laceration on her arm.” She was taken to a hospital and he was taken to jail. The 21-year-old suspect is still there as of minutes ago; he does not appear to have a criminal record, either misdemeanor or felony,
CAR PROWL: Reader report via email:
July 4th, around 3 am. Car prowler was spotted with security cameras on 41st Ave SW between Hudson steps and Dawson.
One car that we know of was broken into and damaged. The thief/thieves were gone before we were aware of their presence to say hello.
DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN KID BICYCLE: Thanks to Suzanne for the report:
In alley between 49th/50th in 4800 block. East side of alley across from small metal shed.
Police are in the 9400 block of Delridge Way SW right now, investigating a reported shooting. The victim apparently turned up in White Center, so there’s been no medical callout at the Delridge scene. No information on circumstances yet; we’ll update if/when we find out more.
From Kim:
We have been celebrating Pride month at our home and now twice our pride and BLM flags have been torn down at 47th and Hinds St.
The first was in the first days of June and now again the night of July 1.
If anyone has information about it please let us and know, and keep flying your flags and signage! Seeing that our neighborhood supports all families and voices is one of the reasons we cherish living in West Seattle.
Two reader reports about thefts:
THIEVES ON WHEELS: Kevin was loading his car in the 3800 block of 34th SW around 4 am today, going back and forth to his house, when he looked up to see two people on what he described as “a moped” by his car, then speeding off with three bags, including one that contained his wallet, passport, computer, and cash, He jumped in his car and tried to follow then but they turned around at 35th and Avalon and got away. No description, he says, other than that “the guy on the back had one of those reflective vests.” He did get two of his bags back – tossed by the thieves during their getaway – but not the one with the valuables. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 2022-166046.
BUSINESS THEFT:Crossfit Loft sent this video of a thief at their business today:
They say he stole sunglasses and sweatshirts, and was last seen running southbound on California. They believe he’s hit other local businesses too. The SPD incident # is 2022-168132.
6:47 PM: Via text:
Our neighbor’s work truck was just stolen off the street in front of our house, about 6:05 pm.. White box truck, no cab overhang, no marking on the doors. License plate C85192U. Spotted driving toward White Center near Westwood Village a (short time) ago. Stolen from Juneau St near 37th.
Call 911 if you see it.
7:19 PM: It’s been found in Burien.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged two teenage boys, 17 and 15, in a case involving shots fired at sheriff’s deputies. Reading through the documents, we learned that investigators suspect they were responsible for Last Friday afternoon’s West Seattle gunfire case, involving a man shot at after “confronting” alleged racers. The charging documents say this was part of a reported spree involving “young males … in a silver-green Honda firing shots over a 24-to-48-hour period,” starting in Burien last Thursday, continuing in White Center, and then the West Seattle incident the next day. Last Saturday, prosecutors say, deputies spotted the Honda and a seven-mile pursuit ensued, during which shots ere fired at the deputies’ car. The suspects’ car and a law-enforcement vehicle eventually collided and three people ran away. Prosecutors say the 17-year-old was found hiding nearby with two 9mm “ghost guns” at his feet. Ammunition that had been ordered online was found in the vehicle and in two bags belonging to the two teenagers. The 17-year-old was believed to be the passenger and the 15-year-old, the driver.
Here’s how the charging documents say their alleged spree unfolded:
At 8:40 am last Thursday, a call came in about gunfire in the 600 block of SW 120th in Burien. Deputies found two casings but no injuries or property damage. People in the area mentioned a 4-door Honda Civic. About an hour and a half later, a call came in from a man who said he was riding his bicycle on SW 107th in White Center when someone in a Civic almost hit him. He and the car’s occupants “exchanged words” – and then a passenger in a car shot twice at the rider, missing him the first time, then hitting him in the leg. This shooting was recorded by the security video system of a nearby Metro bus. Detective circulated images from the video.
The next day at 3 pm, Seattle Police were called to investigate gunfire on West Marginal. Here’s how these documents say that happened:
The suspect vehicle … was driving erratically and was possibly racing another vehicle on West Marginal Way. The vehicle was passing other vehicles in the center turn lane. As they all approached the busy intersection, (the victim) ended up beside the suspect vehicle for a red light. (The victim) began exchanging words with the suspect driver about his driving. (The victim) then got out of his vehicle and continued the exchange of words. At some point (the victim) says he kneed the suspect vehicle, At this, the driver and passenger each pulled out guns and pointed them at (the victim, who says) they said something to the effect of “You don’t want to mess with us.” (The victim) then backed away and the driver took one gunshot at his vehicle. The gun then appeared to have jammed (and then) the front passenger leaned across the driver and fired two shots into each of (the victim’s) vehicle’s tires.
Witnesses took photos/video that enabled investigators to match the vehicle with the one involved in the White Center shooting the day before. And WC is where, 7 hours later, deputies spotted the car, parked, but it was driven away before they could move in. Four and a half hours later, they spotted it again, this time on the move in downtown Burien. They pursued the vehicle south, and it was around Des Moines where deputies say they were shot at. The pursuit ended after the driver wound up in a dead-end cul-de-sac. That’s where three people bolted, all caught within a few hours after what the documents describe as a massive search.
Two boys are charged in connection with the pursuit and that gunfire – charges are not yet filed in the other cases, including the West Seattle incident. The 17-year-old passenger alleged to have done most of the shooting is charged as an adult, so we’re identifying him, Evan T. Nguyen of Burien. He is charged with two felonies, first-degree assault with a firearm and second-degree unlawful firearm possession. The 15-year-old is charged with three felonies, first-degree assault with a firearm, second-degree assault with a deadly weapon, and attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle. (The third boy who was in the car has not been charged.)
Before the charges were filed, at their first appearances this past Monday, prosecutors argued that both should remain in juvenile detention. The judge agreed for the 15-year-old, but allowed the 17-year-old to be sent home with electronic monitoring. Now that he’s charged, prosecutors say, a judge has agreed to a $500,000 warrant to book him back into custody; we don’t know his current status. Nguyen has a previous felony firearms case pending in a case that killed a 19-year-old man in Burien (he’s not charged in the death because it was possible self-defense); the 15-year-old has no record.
Maybe you can help find Jake‘s stolen work truck:
I own Dreamscapes Landscaping down on West Marginal way sw. Over the weekend I was out of town and one of the work trucks was stolen from our property. It is a 2005 Ford F350. It’s white with our black Dreamscapes logo on each front door. It’s a 4-door long bed. License plate C42876D. The truck had a full bed, full of dirt. It also has a custom rear bumper with a crane in the bumper.
If you find it, notify police.
SIDE NOTE: SPD also continues to look for, and find, stolen vehicles via use of the “automated license-plate reader” technology. This morning we heard officer-dispatcher exchanges about one – a stolen Ford Ranger left in the 1900 block of Harbor SW, discovered via ALPR around 9:30 am. We don’t know where or when it was taken, but the officer who found it contacted its owner and she was reported to be driving it home shortly thereafter.
Another confirmed gunfire incident in West Seattle. The overnight police summaries say that 911 got reports of suspected gunfire just after 9:30 last night. Near 16th and Barton, police found “evidence of a shooting,” but no victims or property damage. The report says “witnesses in the area” told police that two vehicles might have been involved with the gunfire, described as “a dark SUV and dark sedan.”
Thanks for the tips. Some of the hard work done by Seattle Parks gardeners and community volunteers at Alki last Friday was undone by thieves/vandals.
After James Tilley sent us photos including that one, we checked with Parks’ southwest-region crew chief Kristy Darcy, who confirms that about 110 plants were stolen. That’s about a tenth of the plants Darcy had told the Alki Community Council she had ordered for the annual planting, and some were left over after Friday, so one of her new gardeners is busy now replacing the ones that were taken.
SIDE NOTE: A commenter had asked about the watering plan for the plants, following our work-party preview last week. Darcy explains, “We are going to have to water them manually to start, as the irrigation is still not quite ready. We are waiting on the plumbers to come and fix a main line break on that system. Once that is complete we can then repair the heads on that one zone that are broken. … We are prepared with all of the heads and nozzles we need though, and should be able to get it up and running pretty fast once the water is on.”
An accused rapist is in the King County Jail after being arrested in The Junction early Saturday. We first learned of the arrest from this SPD summary:
It has been reported that, every weekend for weeks, a suspect has been terrorizing patrons and employees of various Admiral/Alaska Junction establishments and venues. Officers have become familiar with the subject and staff have formed a loose community advising one another whenever the suspect or his vehicle come into the area. Generally, suspect takes off prior to police arrival. On 06-25-2022 at 0149 hours, officers received a similar call for service. Officers determined that the suspect had a rape warrant with a $1,000,000 bail, formulated a plan and took suspect into custody without incident.
We’ve learned that the suspect is 29-year-old Domanick A. Gaskin; we obtained the photo at right from the state Department of Corrections, which had it because he has served time in state prison. Most recently, that was for a South Seattle case in 2018 that made regional news – in a domestic-violence incident in which he was described as both suspect and victim. Court records show he pleaded guilty to reduced charges in 2020 and was given a three-year sentence with credit for time already served. He had two prior robbery convictions a decade ago, as well as a domestic-violence conviction in 2016. The new rape case against him was just filed Friday and it too involved domestic violence, according to the court documents, in an incident that happened in North Seattle earlier this month. Now that he’s in custody, we’re waiting to hear back from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office about what happens next, and will add anything more we find out.
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