West Seattle, Washington
25 Friday
Three West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
STOLEN BLACK JEEP LIBERTY: From Grant:
Monday morning between 1 am and 6 am my wife’s 2006 Jeep Liberty was stolen from the corner of Henderson and 30th ave SW. It has a Thule container on top and a spare tire on the back. It has black trims and the license plate frame is rhinestones. License plate is # C00643V. If anyone sees it around, please let us know or call (911).
CAR THIEF RETURNS TO SCENE: On Saturday we reported on M‘s stolen Audi. Today, an update with video:
Last night, car thief came back to the scene in my stolen Audi S4 to reclaim his bicycle he hid in the neighbors’ yard but I had already taken it. Pursued him in my work truck But lost him somewhere around 14th ave SW and Cambridge. Earlier in the day I spotted him parked outside the Walgreens on 15th Ave SW just off Roxbury but he left before I could report it again. Also, plates have been switched at least twice.
ABANDONED BICYCLE: From Kellie:
This Schwinn bike has been lying in the parkway in front of a home on 30th Ave SW just north of Henderson for at least the last 2 days. At this point it’s probably safe to assume that someone stole and dumped it.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
DOUBLE SHOOTING FOLLOWUP: Early Sunday, we reported on a police and fire response in the 7200 block of Dumar Way. The initial report was that two people were shot. but the house was empty when police arrived; one victim showed up at Harborview Medical Center. The Southwest Precinct has just released a few more details: “A large house party was being hosted at an Airbnb … Two suspects arrived that did not get along. They got into an argument before shooting 15-20 rounds at each other. Two victims were transported to Harborview Medical Center by personal vehicles. It is unknown if they were the shooters. Both victims were uncooperative with the police. One victim was shot in the arm and the other in the back.” SPD was seeking a warrant to collect more evidence.
ADDED 9:09 AM: We’ve just received additional information in response to our original inquiry with SPD media relations. The warrant actually has already been procured; officers reported finding “bloodstains, ,,, disarray, and an identification card … inside the house” as well as “five bullet holes in the wall. Four of them had visible exit holes and the fifth had a bullet still lodged in it.” This information also clarifies that four people were inside the house when police arrived, though the victims were gone. It also notes the Washington State Patrol tried to stop the vehicle carrying the victims for suspected DUI on I-5 – and arrested the driver after arrival at Harborview. The victims were a “juvenile male” who tried to “flee the hospital without receiving treatment” for a gunshot wound to his right arm, and a female victim who said she was standing on the house’s balcony when hit in the back by a bullet and didn’t even realize for a few minutes that she had been shot. Two casings were found in the street.
(back to original 8:42 am report) YARD CART THEFT: The video and report are from Denise in Highland Park:
Some lady came from the front side of our house through a closed gate, stole a Gorilla Cart from us, and went out the back gate as well. This happened at 8:06 (Sunday) morning.
It’s been a busy day for West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports. Three more:
BURGLARY: The security-camera photos show a person with items stolen from a residence in Morgan Junction. The victim reports:
This individual stepped up on a recycle bin, opened our living room window, broke the screen, climbed down into our home and took everything and walked out of the front door with full suitcases.
Items stolen:
An air mattress in a bag
Two grey hard suitcases filled with:
Waterford crystal (from our wedding) Variety of items
My wedding shoes (gold heels with crystal decal)
One work laptop and mouse
One work iPad
4 watches on a cedar watch case (men’s)
Black Seahawks backpack
White “12” sign
That’s all we have found so far.
AUTO THEFT: Reported by M:
Stolen Audi
A4, dark gray, plate # BJL5155, 6:09 am 10/3/20, 7700 block 16th Ave SW
Call 911 if you see it.
BICYCLE THEFT: Second day in a row we have had a report of a bike theft from the garage at this apartment complex. From Andy:
My bike was stolen from the secure storage at the Huxley. 4754 Fauntleroy Way SW. It was there last night and I noticed that it was stolen when I went for a run this morning (10.3.20). Rocky Mountain Fusion 10, medium, red/black.
Thanks again to everyone who keeps an eye out for stolen cars, bicycles, and other items – so often, many stolen items large and small end up getting dumped somewhere.
Two bicycles start this Crime Watch report, one stolen, one abandoned and likely stolen (its owner might not even know it’s gone yet):
STOLEN CARGO E-BIKE: From Allison:
This was taken from our garage (Camp Long area) last night and we are devastated! I am trying to spread the word far and wide. This is a beloved family bike and daily mode of transportation.
RadWagon Cargo E-Bike
Red Child Yepp seat
Large front basket
caboose on back
2019 model
registered on Bike Index and police report filed
ABANDONED BICYCLE: From Jonathan:
At approximately 6:50 this morning, two individuals went traipsing through our front yard with a bicycle which they proceeded to abandon in our driveway. We are located at 49th and Stevens. I have attached a picture of the bike and video captured by our security camera.
If you recognize the bike, please let us know and we will connect you.
And one more reader report:
HIT-RUN DRIVER LEAVES STOLEN CAR BEHIND: From Cindy:
A Honda Civic sped into the traffic circle at our corner at approx. 5:35 am today. Driver fled the scene on foot. Thank you to SPD for their quick response and for sharing that the vehicle had been reported stolen from the Lynnwood area.
Jim‘s truck was stolen early today just south of the city-limit line:
10:37 AM: Someone drove off in my truck this morning at 4:30 AM in North Shorewood near the Safeway. 2006 F250 Crew Cab Super Duty, Brown with Gold Trim. Custom wheels and tires. Large Ham radio antenna hanging off the hood on the left front. Paint matched Snug Top canopy with blacked-out windows.
Call 911 if you see it.
5:44 PM: Jim reports in a comment that it’s been found.
Twp reader reports:
STOLEN BICYCLE: From Emily:
It is a 2019 Trek Marlin 6, with a black and red seat, black pedals, red grips with a mud guard. It was stolen after 4 pm on October 1st from 4754 Fauntleroy Way SW and noticed missing at 7:50 am today. My fiancé’s bike’s chain was attempted to be cut and the pump was stolen off the bike.
Police report # is 20-282438.
ABANDONED MOTORCYCLE: Marc says this motorcycle with expired plates has been near his home, at 23rd/Willow, for five days.
Recognize it? Let us know.
Today’s West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
POLICE @ SCHOOL: A few readers mentioned early-morning social-media chatter about a police response at Arbor Heights Elementary. The call was ultimately classified “trespassing.” We checked with SPD this morning; they confirmed there was no evidence of burglary or vandalism, adding, “Patrol officers hailed using their PA system but weren’t able to locate anyone.”
CAMPING GEAR STOLEN: Scott‘s car was broken into overnight in his driveway near 39th/Olga:
Thieves made away with my brown Alps tent (but left the poles), and a large tan tote with a bunch of camping gear including a mess kit. Also in the tote was a silver zippered case with a battery and charger for a Serfas headlight. Also look out for a WALL-E fleece blanket, which was covering up the stolen items.
Police report # is 2020-922548.
CAR-THEFT ATTEMPT: Jason‘s car was also broken into, early today:
My work van was the victim of an attempted theft this morning on 28th Ave SW in High Point. They did get away with some power tools and broke the ignition switch but did not get away with the van itself. This was at 4:15 am this morning and it looks like a minivan cased the block, dropped someone off then a sedan came back and picked up the guy and loot! Also, the neighbor at the end of the block had their Audi broken into and they also tried to steal the car unsuccessfully. All beware, thugs are running rampant!
BICYCLES FOUND: From the dumped-and-likely-stolen file, two more abandoned bicycles. First, from Tiffany:
This bike, which I assume stolen and ditched, has been leaning against my building for a couple weeks now. 4050 California Ave SW
This one was via text:
Nice commuter bike dumped in EC Hughes park [earlier this week]. Northwest corner of park.
CATALYTIC-CONVERTER REMINDER: Last but not least, we’ve had multiple reader reports in recent weeks about catalytic-converter thefts, and Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner has sent this notice:
The SW Precinct has noticed a string of catalytic converter thefts over the past few weeks. In an effort to decrease future incidents, we would like to provide the following prevention suggestions:
-Speak with your vehicle manufacture to inquire about specific devices that can be added to shield or lock the catalytic converter
-If possible, ensure your vehicle is parked in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit location
-Check on your vehicle regularly to ensure no damage has been done
-Work with neighbors to establish or maintain a Block Watch group to increase “eyes on”
-Report all suspicious and/or criminal activity to the SPD by 911 immediately
Please feel free to reach out to me directly [je*************@*****le.gov] if you are interested in discussing this further and/or if you would like to schedule a free safety/security assessment.
And a reminder that the precinct commander will be part of the public-safety discussion in the first hour of tonight’s Town Hall, starting at 5:30 pm; more info here. We’ll be covering it live.
From Diana:
Just wanted to see if people could be on the lookout for our 1991 Jeep Cherokee that was stolen from in front of our house on 51st Street near Schmitz Park. It was taken Friday night, on Sep. 25. Just thought I’d see if any neighbors noticed that someone got a new car. It also had 5 tires with wheels inside that our neighbor gave us that day and we never had a chance to unload them. It has a firefighter sticker on the back.
(We’ll add the plate when we get it.) Call 911 if you see this vehicle.
These are three recent views of the same wall in Pigeon Point:
Katie sent the photos, explaining:
My neighbors and I have been painting and maintaining a Black Lives Matter mural on our property at the corner of SW Andover and 23rd Ave in Pigeon Point that has been defaced 3 times in the past month. I saw that West Seattle Blog has covered this type of vandalism at other locations in West Seattle, so I wanted to add our experience to the record. We are setting up surveillance measures and will continue to restore the mural after each vandalism attempt, but I just wanted to let our community know that this is a consistent and seemingly widespread problem in West Seattle.
12:01 PM: Neighbors in northeast Admiral report a prowler in the 3-4:30 am vicinity, seen clearly on this security-video clip:
Dana reports an e-bike stolen in the process, a black RadCity Step-Thru. “Definitely not seen from the street and involved [the thief] being inches from our bedroom windows. I’ve filed a police report but wanted to get the word out that he is pretty bold and not afraid to go searching around your home.” Dana says just to get in the yard where the video was recorded, the prowler had to “jump a locked gate.” Meantime, we’ve had a few bicycle reunions lately, so if you happen to see one like this abandoned, please let us know and we’ll connect you.
6 PM: Dana says in comments that a neighbor found the bike.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to go see the newly installed tribute to the “patron saint of the broken bridge” – reported here last weekend – we’re sorry to tell you, you missed your chance. Two people sent us notes this morning, both beginning “This is why we can’t have nice things” … this one (and the photos) came from Lars (who sent us the original announcement too):
The Delridge Maritime Historical Society is saddened to announce that the Rolf Neslund bust lasted less than a week before being vandalized and stolen. Though his time was short, his memory remains strong.
A curse upon the Rolf haters; “a spiritual burning barrel awaits ye!”
Seen in (relatively) happier times:
If you are just catching up, Neslund was the freighter pilot who hit the old West Seattle Bridge in 1978, leading to the chain of events that resulted in the construction of the currently closed bridge.. He gained extra notoriety a few years later as a murder victim.
P.S. This is not the first bridge-side statue theft.
Last Sunday, we reported briefly on an incident that brought a sizable police response to a neighborhood southwest of The Junction, described at the time as a court-order violation. We recognized the name of the suspect arrested that day, Casey Carlstedt. We reported on him multiple times in 2017, including a prosecutor’s observation that he appeared to be “spiraling out of control.” The cases we mentioned that year included a reckless-driving arrest and a bicycle theft in which WSB readers helped find the bike and the thief. In the new case, court documents say Carlstedt, now 27, was arrested a short time after he was served with a court order to stay away from a certain house and the people who live there. After officers presented him with the order – finding him near the house – he left the area, but police soon got a call alleging he had threatened to kill a random passerby. When they found Carlstedt, he was back within 150 feet of the house he was ordered to stay at least 1,000 feet away from. Court documents say this is the sixth anti-harassment order filed against him in six years. He is charged with felony harassment and violation of a court order, and remains in jail, bail set at $25,000.
(Update) 4 reader reports about bicycles, starting with two thefts:
SOUTH MORGAN JUNCTION THEFT: From Michael:
It was stolen sometime in the last 7 days from the garage of a condo building of the 6900 block of California Ave. The bike is a Specialized Sirrus, and the serial number (ends with) 867R. I’ve submitted a police report but don’t have a case number yet.
ADMIRAL THEFT: From Angie: “Stolen bike out of the Luna Apartment complex, purchased less than a year ago. Blue Yeti Sb130. Turquoise color.” (Similar to this stock photo.)
Finally, a dumped-and-likely-stolen bike:
FOUND IN FAIRMOUNT AREA: From Alex on Tuesday night:
Saw this one at the construction site on Fauntleroy near Dawson (not the one on the corner). It wasn’t there this morning and I assume construction happened since then so probably recent dump. Looks like an electric one without a battery so maybe taken from a garage or storage.
ADDED 3:51 PM: One more dumped bike.
FOUND ON ALKI POINT: Jason originally contacted us because a bicycle shown here last week as “found” turned out to be his. He has it back now. But this one was left in place of the one stolen from him, so he’d like to get it back to its owner:
Yours? Let us know and we’ll connect you.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
STOLEN SUBARU: Via text: “My vehicle was stolen last night at 4550 38th SW in front of Link apartments. 1999 Subaru Outback sport.” Plate is shown in the photo; call 911 if you see it.
CAR PROWLS: From Taylor via email: “My partner has experienced two car prowls in the last month!! One (Monday) morning and one two weeks ago. Watch out, 35th & Cambridge area. We blame it on the increase in traffic and of course the economic shortage in the area. Keep an eye out, people, and make sure your floodlights are turned on with fresh bulbs.”
(WSB photo, August 27)
Four weeks after a hit-run driver killed 34-year-old Derrick Lacomb near Longfellow Creek, a suspect is charged, and investigators say he’s the owner of the car found dumped in Highland Park three days later. 37-year-old Steven J. Abrahamson is charged with second-degree murder, though he’s not yet in custody. Court documents say he lives just blocks from the crash scene in the 6500 block of 25th SW. Police were called there the evening of August 24th when Mr. Lacomb’s body was found after neighbors heard the crash.
(WSB photo, August 24th)
Security video from nearby homes showed two vehicles possibly involved, and SPD asked for the public’s help in finding them. Three days after the crash, a WSB reader spotted the maroon Crown Victoria near 13th/Thistle; by then, SPD had posted without elaboration that the other vehicle, a silver van, had been found too. The charging documents explain that the van belongs to the suspect’s brother, who talked with police two days after the crash. Investigators say a relative of the victim recognized the van and knew its owner was a friend of Mr. Lacomb.
The charging documents say the suspect’s brother told police Mr. Lacomb was riding in the van that night, with the suspect driving his car nearby. They all stopped in the area, and Mr. Lacomb got out, went to Steven Abrahamson’s car; an argument ensued. The brother said he tried to break it up, then got back in his van, and as he drove away, saw Mr. Lacomb running after him. Then at some point his brother passed him, going very fast. Residents in the neighborhood also reported seeing a man running after the van, not long before they heard a crash. The documents indicate Mr. Lacomb was hit around 5 pm, about an hour before his body was found in some overgrowth. There’s no explanation of the reason for the argument.
A $2 million warrant is now out for Abrahamson’s arrest; court documents say he has no adult felony record, but has misdemeanor convictions including theft, trespass, and resisting arrest. (Thanks to Lee for the tip on the charges, first reported late today by The Seattle Times.)
Three items in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ARREST NEAR JUNCTION: We’ve received some questions about this incident a little over an hour ago just southwest of The Junction, in the 46th/Edmunds/Erskine vicinity. One neighbor says police were dealing with a man who was “yelling.” Radio communication indicates he was accused of violating a court order, and was eventually arrested.
MAIL THEFT: From Kelsey:
Around 7 am this morning, 2 guys were seen breaking into mailboxes in Fauntleroy. There was a woman driver. We were able to get a picture of just the car and license plate. Please keep your eyes out for this vehicle. We are filing a police report. The car is an older red Honda lic # BRV—.
PACKAGE TAKEN: From Sarah:
I wanted to share a video of someone stealing a package off our front porch at 12:13am 9/20 (8100 block of 31st Ave). Wanted to share in case anyone recognizes the sweatshirt, etc. Package can be replaced, just wanted to get the description out there of this person, will also file a police report.
Two more West Seattle Crime Watch reports today:
WESTWOOD VILLAGE GUN INCIDENT: We didn’t hear about this at the time, but have received two notes since, including Karen‘s firsthand report:
Two young men were fighting outside of the Hair Masters salon today at approx 3:45 pm. The fight quickly escalated as one man pulled out a gun and was waving it around. Employees and customers went inside the bathroom and stayed there until the police arrived (five of us were in the bathroom). Not sure if both men were arrested, or just the one with the gun. Police arrived VERY quickly and de-escalated the situation within a minute or so. Not sure what started the fight.
HPIC SIGN TARGETED AGAIN: Volunteer Rhonda reports the Black Lives Matter sign on the Highland Park Improvement Club fence has been vandalized again: “This is the third time we have had this happen. … Luckily we have another sign to replace it with. … This seems like these vandalism attacks are escalating. I plan to report it to the police.” This time somebody painted a phrase in yellow paint that could be interpreted as a death threat.
10:56 AM: From Kristi:
My car was stolen sometime last night for the 2nd time right in front of my house. 44th and Lander.
It is a 1996 Black Toyota Corolla. License plate ARN 0237.
If you see it, call 911.
7:27 PM UPDATE: It’s been found.
=============
11:25 AM: Just in – from Brie at Pecos Pit BBQ (WSB sponsor) in West Seattle, a stolen food truck:
Last night sometime between 9 pm and 6 am this morning our beloved Bob the food truck was stolen from our HQ in Kent. Please keep your eyes out for him. If anyone has any information to please email in**@******it.com or call our West Seattle location at 206-708-7691. Reward: Free BBQ. Kent PD Case# 20-11920.
3:39 PM: As noted in comments, Pecos Pit says the truck’s been found.
Reader report:
Our Prius was vandalized this week. It was sitting on the street (Hill Street SW, North Admiral). We found it still jacked up with the catalytic converter missing. We read an article online that said catalytic converter theft has become popular because of their value, relative ease to steal, and their lack of identifying marketings. Metal recyclers will pay an average of $50 per converter for the precious metals inside them. Unfortunately our estimate to repair is $1,799.
This is the sixth reader report we’ve received this summer about catalytic-converter thefts, and others have been noted in those stories’ comments.
Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning:
CAR STOLEN: From Cynthia:
Our son’s 2000 beige Honda Civic was stolen from our driveway at 3642 Beach Dr SW, Seattle, WA 98116 sometime during the night. It was reported to the police this morning, but thought we’d get the word out in case someone finds it and for neighbors to be on the lookout for suspicious activity on Beach Drive. Here is a picture after a recent hit and run.
Call 911 if you see it.
WINDOW-SMASHING: Staffers at DogCity in The Triangle (36th/Oregon) arrived this morning to find windows smashed on cars outside as well as on their building. Here are two of the photos they sent:
So far, it does not appear burglary was the motive. They’ve reported it to police.
Three notes this afternoon:
TRIANGLE POLICE RESPONSE: Thanks to the reader who sent a tip about that big police response in the alley between Link and Lien Animal Clinic a short time ago. We went over to find out what was going on; police at the scene told us they had detained a suspect they had been seeking in relation to an assault on an officer. No other details so far.
STOLEN ROLLERBLADES: Tracey emailed this report this morning:
Reporting a car prowl at 30th ave SW and Holden evening of 9/13. Hoping readers could keep an eye out for my stolen rollerblades. I imagine they will get dumped. Sunglasses and prescription glasses too.
ABANDONED BICYCLE: From Amy:
I found this ditched bike near my apartment (Alki area) this morning.
Yours? Let us know and we’ll connect you.
Three incidents to report:
ARSON INVESTIGATION: This is happening right now at California/Charlestown; SFD has been investigating, and police have just been dispatched. A worker from a nearby business texted this moments before we hard that dispatch:
Fire call in alley between California and 44th off Charlestown. Someone lit the fence on fire. The fire was started with a beer bottle and paper then put it on the fence. Our front desk staff ran out there w the fire extinguisher to help put it out. Description of person who lit the fire in case you see her… Heavy female with green jacket and shorts – 5 ft 1-3 in and 150-175 lbs
Call 911 if you have any information.
GARAGE BREAK-IN: From Brandon: “The garage at The Verge Condos on Harbor Ave SW was broken into. Someone went into the storage area with an electric or gas-powered metal cutter. Sliced through the main lock and then went one by one cutting through each of the storage units. And then a window was broken out of a car in garage.”
(added 3:09 pm) CAR PROWL: From Iris:
Reporting a car prowler on the 8400 block of 17th Ave SW around 11:30 PM Sep 9, 2020
A woman with a ponytail opens our car door. Prior to doing that she calls out “Jessie” to her companion.
Nothing of extreme value was taken, thankfully.
Two reader reports and a followup tonight:
STOLEN MOTORCYCLE: Gary sent that photo, reporting: “Stolen off the street in Seaview early Thursday, September 10, 2020. 2006 Harley Davidson Deluxe, metallic black paint. Notable: The front tire has a wide white wall, the rear tire is all black.” If you see it, call 911.
GAS SIPHONED: From Andrejs: “This morning, while returning a rental truck to U-Haul on 35th, the employee checking me in indicated that last night someone siphoned gas out of most of the trucks parked on their lot.”
Now, the followup:
(Sunday night photo by Jason Hubbard)
WINDOW-SMASHING SUSPECT CHARGED: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 33-year-old Aikeem L. Roberts with malicious mischief and assault in last Sunday’s Junction QFC window-smashing rampage. The charging document includes more details on what police were told happened that night, beyond what we reported in our first followup:
… Roberts frequents the business on a regular basis. On this occasion Roberts entered the store carrying a backpack, blue reusable type bag, and two QFC paper bags which appeared to be full of product. Roberts walked throughout the store for several minutes. Roberts was approached by (the store manager) and informed that he would need to speak with store management if he was going to be inside of the store with store bags that were already loaded with merchandise prior to his arrival, and would need to leave the bags with store employees at the front while he shopped. Roberts was unhappy with this instruction and proceeded to walk toward the register where he started to check out a can of beans. Roberts decided not to buy the item and left it and walked out of the store.
At approximately 2114 hrs Roberts re-entered the store without his bags and approached (the manager) near store register #10. Roberts became increasingly agitated and proceeded to pick up multiple plastic bottles of seltzer water that were on a display and threw the bottles at (the manager), striking him in the head and arms. The bottles were also thrown at the checkstand computer screen and Plexiglas divider, damaging them. (The manager) and other store employees retreated to the back of the store to remove themselves from Roberts’ violent outburst. Roberts proceeded to throw several potted plants at the checkout registers. He made his way through the store and knocked over products from the shelves. He knocked over a display case of glass honey bottles. He picked up one of the honey bottles and threw it at a freezer door and shattered the door’s glass. He returned to the register area and caused further damage to that area by throwing around merchandise. He attempted to break out a store window by throwing a display case at it but was unsuccessful. Roberts then exited the store via the southwest exit and once outside, he picked up several stones from the ground and threw the stones at the store windows, breaking out 16 panels of plate glass. He also opened and slammed the automatic door several times, shattering the glass and rendering the door inoperable.
Roberts remains in jail tonight, bail still set at $5,000. In earlier coverage, we mentioned his record included stealing five cars from one night at an Eastside dealership; his eventual arrest in California made news.
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