FOLLOWUP: What investigators are, and aren’t, saying about the human remains found off Alki Avenue
(WSB photo, Friday)
Lots of questions today about the story we first reported on Friday evening, human remains found off Duwamish Head. As promised, we’ve followed up. First, the biggest question: No information yet on whose remains, or how they died – that’s up to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, and we just checked with them – they told us it may take several days, and they have nothing to report right now. As for Seattle Police, we’ve talked with them too. Their next steps depend on what the ME’s Office determine. But for now, it is a homicide investigation.
We also asked SPD about the TikTok videos that surfaced over the weekend, as discussed in the comment section following our Friday report. Det. Mark Jamieson says SPD “is aware” of the videos, and while they can’t attest to authenticity, he can say that the report does show the initial call was for “a suitcase that smelled really bad,” which is the circumstance presented in the videos (police previously had not mentioned a suitcase, only plastic bags). And yes, as noted in one video, he says, police did not arrive for two hours – they had no officers available to send when the call first came in around 2 pm; they arrived around 4 pm. On TikTok, the teens say the suitcase was on the rocks but then the tide started taking it, and its bagged contents, away.
(Side note: The gruesome nature of the case has attracted attention from around the world; we’ve received calls from a British tabloid and a nationally syndicated TV show.)
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Catalytic-converter theft; car prowl; signs stolen
Three reader reports:
CATALYTIC CONVERTER STOLEN: From Maya:
I want to alert people to the fact that my Prius had its catalytic converter cut out this morning around 10:35 am at the 8400 block of Fauntleroy Place (by the one-way street near Lincoln Park). My neighbor scared off a car parts thief as they were finishing up.
They sped off, without time to close their trunk or pick up all of their things, not stopping at the stop sign.
Maya’s neighbor got the getaway car on camera but this is the only sharable frame:
CAR PROWL: From Al on Myers Way:
On 6/16/2020 my truck was broken into. The perpetrator stole everything from the inside of the vehicle, attempted to steal a tool box that was secured with a cable and lock, left and came back two hours later with a torch to cut the handles off the tool box.
Al says the thief got away in the light-colored 1992 Toyota Paseo you see him putting items into, license plate starting with BNX.
SIGNS STOLEN: From Mary in Fauntleroy:
Two signs, one Black Lives Matter, the other In Our House We Believe…. Two were also stolen from next-door neighbor and one down the hill. We live on 44th Ave SW above Endolyne Joe’s.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen boat motor
The report and photo are from Derek:
Someone decided to steal my outboard 7.5 hp Honda motor (Monday) night, 5400 block of West Marginal Way SW. I am offering $100 reward. Derek 206 478 3652
SPD # is 2020-189211.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglar on video
The video and framegrab are from South West Plumbing (Delridge/Alaska), which wanted to alert the community about a burglar. The man used a cutting tool to get into the yard:
Then, SWP says, “He walked around for a bit, took items, and returned a number of times to load more stuff. He then tried our doors to the building without success. He then went to our truck to try and open it. That was when the car alarm went off and he scurried off.”
He got away in that truck, which SWP says he had parked in the back alley. Here’s a clear view as he entered:
We’ll add the police-report # when we get it.
Why Guardian 1 was over Arbor Heights
Sorry that took a while to sleuth – we had to drive over and look around for an officer on the ground to find out why the Guardian One helicopter was over Arbor Heights. They were looking for a domestic-violence suspect in connection with a protection-order violation.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another BLM-support banner stolen
4:32 PM: That photo was sent by Christine on Pigeon Point, who first emailed us this morning to report, “Someone in our neighborhood keeps defacing the BLM sign that was hung on the Andover stairs. I realize the stairs are maintained by the city but the sign was put up as a show of support for people of color in our community. There are mixed families in this neighborhood.” Most recently, she said, someone tried to erase the word “Black” from the banner by covering it with a cloth patch lettered “All.” And after she emailed us this morning, she emailed again to add, “The sign was just torn down by a man, according to another neighbor.” We checked on our way back from the Junction demonstration; nothing left behind but faded chalk lettering that also declares, Black Lives Matter.
8:30 PM: Update from Christine: “We are working on a permanent sign solution. In the meantime, a march is planned in the neighborhood at 11 am on Sunday beginning at 20th and Charlestown. Neighbors are donating to BLM organizations and causes for every time the sign is defaced or stolen. Some companies are matching donations so it’s adding up.”
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Treasure-chest thief; hit-run fence-crasher
Two reports with video – first, from Mara, the case of the treasure-chest thief:
That’s the treasure chest that was stolen, a kids’ project in a Seaview yard. The theft was recorded on security video:
Mara explains, “It was something they created during COVID as a share place for kids … it was a big chest from the ’70s. It had a lot of sentimental value.” This happened late Monday night.
Also on video – the case of the fence-crasher:
Heather sent the video and explains: “We’re looking for help locating this vehicle. They ran through the fence never braking. We’re all lucky no one was on the other side of the fence as we all have kids and animals. This person needs to not be driving! Plates can’t be made out but it’s a very distinguishable vehicle. SPD case is 2020-185756.” This happened Tuesday morning near Fairmount Playfield.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: ‘Black Lives Matter’ support sign stolen
The photo and report are from Julie:
I am writing to share the upsetting and disappointing news that a Black Lives Matter sign our PTA placed on the Myrtle St. fence at Gatewood Elementary School was removed and stolen last night. Someone was trying very hard to block this message of solidarity and support for people of color in our community, and we ask that people be on the lookout.
We are planning to print another and post again.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Hit-run rampage trashes neighborhood
1:33 PM: The images are from William, one of several people who have emailed about this early-morning hit-run rampage:
At 3:30am today someone driving a Hummer H3 decided it would be a good idea to turn off Hinds onto 37TH AVE SW, and take out just about every single recycling/trash/yard bin with his vehicle between HINDS and HANFORD (just the one block). Scared the heck out of many of my sleeping neighbors. The person purposefully missed all cars, and any bins surrounded by cars were skipped.
Here’s some of the aftermath:
Lenora said the driver appeared to be a woman, and included these details:
It’s clear that one waste can must have been caught under the car’s bumper as it was flattened. It was the noise of it being dragged up the pavement that awakened us all. We saw the driver get out of her car, on Hanford, and assess the damage about three blocks west of here. She drove away before we could get close enough to get license plate info.
I understand that there were reports that some neighbors on 37th had cans that were hit as well. Our Hanford neighbors reported this information to the police.
We don’t have the report # yet but expect to add a bit more to this later.
ADDED 3:26 PM: The report # is 20-183602. You can hear – and see the end of – the driver’s rampage at the end of this clip forwarded by Lenora:
MONDAY NIGHT NOTE: Neighbors discussing this further and comparing notes tell us the woman who got out of her car to “assess the damage” was NOT the driver who DID the damage.
TUESDAY MORNING NOTE: We’ve heard from a West Seattleite who happens to drive a black H3 with front-end damage inflicted in a crash last week (see photo in our comment below) and is NOT the driver in this crash, which he heard about when a buddy called him yesterday about this story.
MYSTERY: Box of lost or stolen laptops found in Westwood
That photo is courtesy of Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor), whose maintenance director found “a box hidden on our property with about ten laptops with cords and all of the same brand (Dell). A few appear to have kids’ names and some have stickers on them.” They’ve tried contacting police but in the meantime, if you know of anyone missing something like this, through theft or other circumstances, please contact Daystar (which is just east of Roxhill Park, across Barton from Westwood Village).
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Food truck break-in
Thanks for the tips/photos. The El Camion food truck has been missing from its longtime spot in Fauntleroy for two nights, with this sign left in its place:
We’ll working to follow up both with the truck operators and police.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Subaru Legacy
From Rebecca in Gatewood: “Early this morning, a red 1995 Subaru Legacy wagon with roof rack, license plate number BFP-5944, was stolen. Parked on street in front of residence. No broken glass, so most likely a shaved key was used. Car owner had a club on the steering wheel but that did not deter thieves. This theft has been reported to the police. If you see it please contact the police – Case #20-181934.” (Call 911 if you see this or any other known stolen car.)
UPDATE: One man shot in West Seattle Junction, taken to hospital
(Added: Photo sent by Jason)
10:55 PM: SFD and SPD are responding to the 4800 block of Erskine Way for a report of a 20-year-old man with a gunshot wound. No other details yet.
11:03 PM: Police report being told this was the result of some kind of altercation/confrontation. The victim is being taken to the hospital.
11:12 PM: Police are looking for a suspect, described only, so far, as a “white male with a shaved head.”
11:27 PM: The Guardian One helicopter is assisting with the search.
11:42 PM: The search is ranging over a fairly wide area. Meantime, police are checking security video at the 7-11 to see if it has anything that’ll help.
11:54 PM: The victim was in serious condition when transported, SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB. He also says the victim is 32, which is a change from the original radio exchange describing him as 20.
1:08 PM THURSDAY: Our inquiry to SPD has been answered by this SPD Blotter post, but the only new info is that the suspect is still out there somewhere:
At approximately 10:45 PM, officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 4800 block of Erskine Way SW. When they arrived they found the victim in a parking lot, with a gunshot wound to his chest. Officers immediately performed first aid until they were relieved by the Seattle Fire Department medics, who transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center.
Officers interviewed witnesses at the scene who stated that it appeared that the victim and another man were in an argument just prior to the shooting. The suspect fled. A K-9 team responded and attempted a track, but the suspect was not located.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Teens robbed
11:08 AM: From Suzanne:
My grandson just turned 13 years old (on Monday). He finished his online studies (Tuesday) afternoon and went about three blocks to Lafayette School to skateboard. As he was skating he was jumped by four high-school boys, who took his cell phone and $30 from him. If your teenage son was in that area with three of his friends, please check to see if they have a phone that isn’t theirs or some extra cash. My grandson suffered scrapes and bruises as he was being attacked. He said he got one good hit in to one of the boys, so check your child for a facial bruise…PLEASE!!!! A Police report has been filed with clear descriptions of the boys who assaulted my grandson. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. … Please help us find these boys before they really hurt someone. His brother had given him a knife for his birthday. It was stolen as well.
The description wasn’t included but we’re attempting to get the police report.
ADDED 2:20 PM: The previously mentioned SPD incident #, 20-179853, turns out to be from a different robbery yesterday, with this report narrative:
On 6-2-20 at approximately 2:15 PM the juvenile victim was at 45 Ave SW/SW Spokane St. The victim stated that a dark 4-door sedan passed him and honked. The suspect vehicle turned around and approached the victim. The suspect vehicle cut the victim off and two teenagers exited the vehicle and demanded his bag. The victim had fear of being assaulted so he gave the suspects his bag. The suspects drove away Northbound on 45 Ave SW. Officers checked the area for the suspects but did not locate them.
We also have a text from the victim’s mom in that case – she writes that her son, 14, “was riding (his) bike … with a friend … when a blue four-door sedan started honking at them. As the car started to cut off their path the friend stopped and rode another way. The car stopped my son’s path and two of the four young white guys got out of the car. “Give your backpack and nothing else will happe.” My son said OK and handed it over. The car left and my son went to his nearest friend’s house.” Police were then called.
And we’ve heard from another reader who writes, “Our neighbor on 36th Ave SW said his son was mugged at the reservoir park (park across from OLG school on 36th) last night. … They took his phone.” The incident # showing for that area is 20-179948.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 5 notes
Five notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:
CROSS-CITY PURSUIT ENDS HERE: If you’re in southeast West Seattle and heard/saw the sirens and lights this past hour – our friends at Capitol Hill Seattle Blog report that it started on their side of the bay (scroll to the 10:12 pm update here).
STOLEN WHITE ACCORD: Amirah says the theft happened early Sunday: “All-white 2003 Honda Accord with a pink breast cancer ribbon sticker on the back. Last seen Sunday morning 4300 SW Edmunds St.” (We’ll add the plate when we get it.)
CAR BREAK-IN/BICYCLE THEFT: From Chelsea:
My Jeep was recently broken into on a lot that I rent down on Harbor Avenue (2300 block). We had to leave it there when the lockdown happened and moved south to be with the in-laws. I’ve checked on it weekly the last two months and so have friends who live in the area. This happened in the last two days, as my landlord for the property was just there and didn’t notice anything. The persons responsible stole my blue Raleigh bike that was locked to the vehicle. They broke out and smashed the passenger side window, stole all of the documents out as well as ripped out the trailer brake system, emptied the gas can in the back of the Jeep and rifled through the tool box in the back. They dumped a ton of trash onto the property and left a handicap cart and a shopping cart full of trash. They were clearly trying to steal the Jeep because they inflated the back left tire and the hood was popped up (which was why we were there Sunday to get it up and running to move it south).
DUMPED-AND-LIKELY-STOLEN BIKE FRAME: Craig sent the photo and report:
Found along Puget Creek. Now at the trailhead at 29th and Dawson.
THIRSTY TRESPASSER: Jayme reported this happened on Monday afternoon near 35th/Trenton:”Around 1:15, I looked out my window and saw a man with a red shirt and black hat sitting on my porch. I’m not sure how long he had been sitting there. He was drinking out of my 5 gallon water jug that had been delivered. He dropped the jug, looked like he was contemplating taking my stroller, and walked up toward Trenton.”
UPDATE: Man stabbed near 35th/Roxbury, suspect arrested
(Image from SDOT camera)
9:29 PM: Another emergency response – this time for a reported stabbing at 35th/Roxbury. Police are looking for a suspect. No word yet on the circumstances or the victim’s condition.
9:33 PM: The victim is being taken to Station 37 to be transferred to am ambulance, which indicates non-life-threatening injuries.
9:50 PM: Photo added above was sent by Lisa. It shows the victim was being treated by the commercial building on the east side of 35th just north of Roxbury. No update on the search for the suspect, but the police-radio exchange indicated they knew who they were looking for, so this may not have been random.
ADDED 1:23 PM MONDAY: We asked police for more info: “Last night around 10:30 PM officers responded to a house at 35th/Roxbury. Report of a physical fight between two men who knew each other. At one point the 18 year old suspect stabbed the 19 year old victim in the back. Suspect was arrested, victim transported to hospital for treatment. Suspect later booked into KCJ. Detectives will handle follow up.”
7:42 PM: The suspect remains in King County Jail, held for investigation of assault.
CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect charged in Peel & Press burglary
A suspect is now charged in the May 9th burglary at Morgan Junction restaurant Peel & Press – a repeat offender who was already awaiting trial for a business break-in attempt in South King County. 33 year old Rafael S. Meyers is charged with second-degree burglary in what prosecutors describe as a “brazen and sophisticated” crime, causing thousands of dollars in damage to the restaurant while apparently trying to break into the neighboring Starbucks. The charging documents say police identified Meyers with the help of a nearby resident who had video of someone coming and going in an alley by the businesses north of Fauntleroy, and gave police information on a related vehicle, including its plate number. Police say the man in that video matched the man seen in Peel & Press’s security video (frame grab at right). They got a search warrant for the vehicle and found it last Wednesday in the driveway outside Meyers’ Fauntlee Hills home, with him inside, and took him into custody. The court documents also say police found suspected heroin and paraphernalia on Meyers, and that a GRIZZLY hat like the one shown in the security video was in his car. He was booked into jail, and got out a day later after posting bond in lieu of $15,000 bail.
Online records show Meyers has an extensive record, though much of it is for non-felonies. He’s awaiting trial on a charge of attempted second-degree burglary from last August in Auburn. Charging documents from that case say he was arrested after tripping an alarm while trying to break into a business there. His next hearing in that case is scheduled for June 3rd. He also was arrested in February of last year for allegedly tagging a railroad car in SODO. The charge, a misdemeanor, was dismissed in November because of witness issues. Documents from a car-prowl case in 2011 describe Meyers as a “well-known graffiti suspect” who was at the time also known for downtown car prowls. In the new case, he is due back in court June 8th for arraignment.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another car thief on camera
The photos and report are from Ron:
My 1999 Honda CR-V was stolen early AM on Thursday morning (3:55 am) from Village Square Condominium complex directly across from Westwood Village. We were able to obtain fairly good photos of him. Really upset about this – the vehicle has been stolen more than once and regrettably the alarm and other potential (prevention) measures were yet to be implemented.
Color of vehicle is Navy blue (Honda calls it “Midnight Pearl Blue”). It has stock alloy wheels and brand new Michelin tires. The car was in great shape for its age and hopefully still is.
(Updated) Plate #009-YQY; report # is 20-167310. Call 911 if you see Ron’s car.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Tool theft
The photos and report are from Nicole:
Our work van was broken into (Wednesday) night sometime between 5:15 pm Wed and 9 am (Thursday) morning when we discovered it. All of my husband’s tools were stolen including his toolbox set, toolbag and his cordless Pex toolkit, all Milwaukee brand.
The Milwaukee toolbox and toolbag contained many tools – all had his name, “Julio” written on them in black marker, except the Pex toolkit. Even the bag and toolboxes have his name written on them. All the tools inside the Milwaukee bag and toolboxes were Dewalt and most are yellow/black. There were impact driver, hammer drill, saw tool, batteries and battery chargers.
The van was parked next to our complex office at Lighthouse apartments on Delridge Way SW. A couple small HVAC tools were found on the grounds and returned to us but all the expensive drills and tools within the toolbox and bag are gone. We’ve reported to Seattle Police and are waiting for the police report number.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car thief on video
That security video shows the thief who took Ariana‘s red 2014 BMW x3 from her Fauntleroy driveway. Note the accomplice moving solid-waste containers at upper left. Here’s the plate:
If you see it, call 911.
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