West Seattle, Washington
27 Wednesday
Be on the lookout for Megan‘s stolen car: A 2005 silver 4-door Nissan Altima, California plates 6BFE480, taken from the 6000 block of 42nd Avenue SW. It has a small VR (in yellow auto chalk) on the driver’s-side door. Call 911 if you see it.
A woman was robbed and assaulted in her car in High Point late last night. Thanks to the person who tipped us about this incident; we found the SPD incident number and requested the report. Police found the victim, 49, in a parking lot in the 3200 block of SW Graham after a report of a woman screaming for help and honking a car horn. She had blood on her face and told police she had parked there to visit her mother in the 6000 block of Lanham. As she finished parking, a man opened her door, grabbed her around the neck, pushed her further into the car, and threatened to kill her if she fought back. She began screaming and honking the car horn, and he hit her in the face multiple times before grabbing her purse and fleeing. Police searched with K9 units but didn’t find her attacker, described only as male, black, slender, with braided hair, wearing a Tommy Hilfiger-type striped sweatshirt. The victim was treated by SFD medics.
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As noted in last night’s roundup, auto theft is up 24 percent citywide in the past month. The Southwest Precinct is launching an emphasis on it, says crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner, who sent this tipsheet:
You can also read it here in PDF.
From Blake in The Admiral District:
This suspect broke into my car and stole a sub-woofer speaker, a Benro tripod, and other miscellaneous items. It happened last night … I just wanted to get the word out there in case someone else sees the man lurking around their property.
No police-report # yet but we’ll add it later when it’s available.
(WSB photo, Friday night)
Back on Friday night, we covered what started as gunfire at 35th/Morgan and continued as a search after suspects ran from a car near Avalon/Genesee. One adult suspect remains in jail, an 18-year-old Auburn man for whom bail was set over the weekend at $75,000. Probable-cause documents in his case say witnesses on Friday night heard gunfire in the alley north of Walgreens – where we photographed the shell-casing markers shown above – just before they saw three people get into a red car that then left the scene. An officer on his way to the gunfire scene spotted the car less than four minutes later; three passengers ran from the car. Two were eventually caught, the 18-year-old suspect and a 17-year-old; the 24-year-old woman who was driving was questioned and released. Documents say the two guns found in the car were.38 caliber and .22 caliber, and the latter matched the caliber of the 19 shell casings found at the original scene. During questioning, police were told this was all preceded by a confrontation at the Delridge ARCO/AM/PM with a man in a black Mercedes who allegedly pointed an “AK-type rifle” at the suspects’ car. The passengers apparently spotted that car at 35th/Morgan and that’s what led to the gunfire there. Though there was one report of someone being hit by gunfiire, to date no evidence of that has been found. We don’t know the status of the 17-year-old suspect, who was booked into juvenile detention, but he’s described in the probable-cause document as a convicted felon. The suspect who was not caught is 18.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon:
STOLEN CAR AND KAYAK: John‘s silver 1993 Subaru Legacy was stolen last night in the 4800 block of 48th SW, orange-and-white kayak and all. (We’ll add the plate # when we get it.) If you see it, please call 911. (update – found!)
DUMPED BIKE WITH CART: From Rick:
Someone left this bike with tow cart in the 6700 block of 14th Ave SW (near Myrtle and green belt), last night/early morning. Possibly stolen.
That’s the plate on Tamara‘s niece’s car. She just arrived in West Seattle – and on her first night, her car was stolen. It has a UW sticker on it. Some stolen cars are abandoned miles away, but some are dumped near where they were taken, so we publish these reports in hopes you can be on the lookout too. If you see it, call 911.
Three notes this afternoon:
STOLEN BICYCLE: From Sophia:
Unfortunately i’m writing this hoping anyone can help find my stolen bike ? I took it out around 8 and around 10 it was gone. I live in a gated complex [near California/Brandon], so i’m still unsure how this happened … the police report is 20-121584 and it’s a women’s Giant.
FOUND BICYCLE: Dominic reports, “Missing a new green women’s cruiser bicycle? It was throw over a fence in a residence in the 90xx block of 17th Ave SW at 4:35 pm (Friday) afternoon.”
DUMPED: Aaron reports, “I woke this morning to find a seemingly brand-new cooler and tent that appears to have been thrown down the hill from Marine View Dr. – we are near 100th. We are going to try to locate the owner for the next day or so. Seattle police were down our street at about 1030 last night and it must be related because we are on a dead end. We already reported to the non emergency line.”
(Photo tweeted by @ReganConley)
5:37 PM: If you’re seeing a big police response near 35th/Avalon, here’s what it’s about: Police were responding to a report of gunfire near 35th/Morgan, and then caught up with a possibly related vehicle near 35th/Avalon. People ran from the car; police just radioed that they have two guns and the driver in custody. They’re still looking for three others, at least some of whom may have headed east. At least one suspect is barefoot, having left his shoes behind. One part of the scene is reported to be near 30th/Genesee.
5:45 PM: The Guardian One law-enforcement helicopter is joining the search. The only descriptions available are that the people they’re searching for are all men in their mid-20s, one white, two black.
5:57 PM: The search continues, with multiple K9 teams involved too.
6 PM: Potential suspect reported in custody at 30th/Dakota. That means two suspects are in custody, two still being sought.
6:16 PM: The 2 still being sought are described as “white, no shirt, no shoes” and black, dressed in dark clothing. Meantime, we are checking out the original scene – many casing markers in the alley north of Walgreens.
(WSB photo)
(WSB photo)
6:32 PM: Suspect vehicle is about to be towed from Avalon.
(WSB photo)
6:54 PM: One more suspect reported to be in custody.
(Photo sent by John F)
The first person detained, the driver, is female. Meantime, we just came up Avalon again; most of the police vehicles are gone.
7 PM: The original scene off 35th has cleared too.
7:51 PM: Commenters report one more arrest. We’re adding more photos. Additional followup info isn’t likely to be available before Monday, unless this incident turns up on SPD Blotter.
8:32 PM: And it just has. The post says one suspect is still at large:
Police arrested three people and are still searching for one more after shots were fired in West Seattle early Friday evening.
Police were dispatched to the 3500 block of SW Morgan Street after witnesses reported shots fired around 5:45 pm.
Officers flooded the area and spotted four people attempting to flee the area in a car. The suspects stopped their vehicle near SW Avalon and Genesee Street and continued to flee on foot.
Officers from the Southwest and South precincts pursued the suspects and with the help of a K9 unit and King County Guardian One helicopter captured three of the four.
Police continue to scour the area for the remaining suspect.
Officers have not received any reports of a victim at this time.
Gang Unit detectives will continue investigating and are asking anyone with information to please call the tip line at 206-233-5000.
From Kate:
Our truck was broken into last night at 40th Ave SW and SW Dakota street. They stole a large and very heavy green and brown Duluth Trading Company bag that is filled with straps and chains…I’m thinking it was likely ditched as it has no monetary value and is SO heavy! We also are on the lookout for a construction hard had with attached head lamp and a safety vest. We have filed a police report.
If you spot either item, let us know and we’ll connect you.
Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN CAR: The most-recent citywide crime overview shows auto theft is up 32% this year, and here’s the latest: Lindsey‘s maroon 1998 Subaru Legacy was stolen overnight, near 39th/Thistle. Plate: AWA3157. If you see it, please call 911.
The next three reports all involve vandalism:
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: Jim, who lives near the school, reports damage to the parking lot:
First – last week a car and perhaps a motorcycle did burnouts in the parking lot. So much so…that it totally ruined the look of the new black-topped parking lot. Secondly, within the last few days …..someone dumped a 1-gallon bucket of white paint all over the parking. Totally ruining the parking and defacing the beautiful brand-new school. Paint bucket was left in the lot and is still there. … No school leaves time for mischief unfortunately….and it is sad to see a brand new school get defaced.
ALSO IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Egging vandalism, reported by Jay, who wonders if anyone else was hit:
Around 10:30 pm Tuesday, I heard noises on my windows. When I went outside to check, it appears someone had thrown eggs at the apartment building and they were falling/oozing down the windows. This was near 35th and Barton.
‘
SCHMITZ PARK: Ali sent photos (which we’re not showing, no time right now to stop down and blur) of trees in Schmitz Preserve Park defaced by spray paint. At least one looks like an anti-COVID-19 message – great sentiment but NOT on trees (might we suggest, chalk art).
In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
PROWLING REPORT: From an Arbor Heights resident:
Have (an attempted) break-in that happened this morning at 11:30 am … Has been reported to police with video from our doorbell camera, etc.
The vehicle (was) a red 1991 Ford F-150.
The guy approached the house because driveway was empty, and was trying to pry the doorbell camera off when I confronted him.
SPD incident # is 2020-116947.
BURGLARY PREVENTION: Also today, Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner sent this advice:
Even though many Seattle area residents are Staying Home to Stay Healthy, we still see residential burglaries occurring throughout Seattle. There are some trends worth noting. In some instances, suspects peered through windows, saw something close by that they wanted, then smashed the window and grabbed the item without entering the home. In other instances, burglars may be watching to see when people leave the house, (maybe going to the store for a short while), make entry, then leave quickly.
We wanted to offer these tips to help reduce burglaries in your neighborhood:
Lock your doors, even when home
Lock your windows or at least limit how far they can be opened
Don’t leave valuables in close proximity of a window
Answer the door; let people know you are home. “Answering” the door does not mean “opening” the door.
Always know who is on the other side of your door before you open it, even if you are expecting someone
While home, take moments to go outside and put eyes on the street; check out what’s happening on the street
When you see neighbors out and about, wave and say hi. When you see people you don’t know out and about on your street, wave and say hi. Send the message that you are a neighborhood that cares and that you are paying attention
Do not call 911 to report people being outside; remember that Police are focused on criminal behavior, not people who want to get out of the house for a bit (Please contact us directly if you have questions about how to report anyone violating the ‘Stay-At-Home’ order)
Stay connected with your Block Watch neighbors and help keep an eye on your neighbors’ place and ask they do the same for you
If you live in an apartment or condo make sure to check on your car daily to ensure it is secure.
It’s a good time to also use your Block Watch connections to see if any neighbors need help or could use a few items from the grocery store.
If you have prevention/safety questions, jennifer.danner@seattle.gov is her contact info.
Alison reports her car was stolen today:
My 1993 Honda Accord SE was stolen today around noon from behind my apartment building at 3001 SW Avalon Way. It’s a dark blue-green, has a spoiler, plate number BCX 9718. (This stock photo is) of an identical car. SPD incident number 2020-115904.
If you see it, please call 911.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports today:
CHILD CARRIER STOLEN: Amy on Puget Ridge sends that photo with this report:
Last night someone managed to open the back door of our minivan, parked in our driveway. Among the stolen items was the Tula Toddler carrier we sometimes use to carry our disabled son on hikes. (You may also have seen us on walks with his swell blue trike, but it doesn’t do well on stairs).
The Tula retails for over $100, so we would love to get it back if possible. It has a gray and green pattern, with gray straps. It’s machine washable, so if someone sees it dumped somewhere, please let us know! Also stolen were a case of Clif Bars and a bag of reusable shopping bags.
WELCOME SIGN DEFACED: Pete Spalding, from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, sent photos and word that the WSCoC is working on getting this cleaned up. We blurred the tags as per WSB policy to not show tagging vandalism whenever possible, but you can get the idea – both sides of the sign were hit:
The sign was installed 11 months ago, funded by a gift from philanthropist Ada Rhodes Cruzen.
Two incidents to report in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning:
MYSTERY MADE BURGLARIZED: That’s a frame from this security video provided by Cory at Mystery Made, who reports: “Mystery Made was broken into in the early morning! Windows shattered and goods stolen! Please, anyone who knows our shop and the goods we sell, please be on the lookout! We are bummed! Any insight or leads pass along to info@mysterymade.com and we can pass along to WSeattlePD!”
ADDED 3:33 PM: We followed up to ask Cory if there was anything specific to watch for:
Almost all clothing inventory was taken from space. Includes, hatchets, sunglasses, hats etc.
One unique item could be the Sonos Play5 that was custom laser etched. would be something specific if found/seen.
Meantime, though Mystery Made had been able to stay “open” online – because of this, even that is now closed TFN.
VEHICLE BREAK-IN: Also early this morning, Erin reports, this happened near 50th and Dawson, southwest of The Junction:
At approximately 4:50 am this morning, April 5th, our RAM 1500 Dodge was burglarized and approximately $3500 of Tools, outdoor safety and recovery gear for overland travel, outside first aid gear, small ARB air compressor, Craftsman tools was stolen from the cab and back of our truck. 2 large Husky brand duffel bags and 2 Mountain smith brand bags full of all the gear. MSR water purification system, Craftsman tools. The list of our loss (both financially and sentimental) is very long and we’re devastated that someone would do this, especially as we’re all going thru such a difficult time. Police report filed #2020-904203
Our neighbor was headed to work and heard the noice and saw someone in our vehicle, our neighbor yelled and tried to scare the person away but unfortunately the person had already taken everything out of our truck so the person sped off quickly. Our neighbor reports that the car may have been early 00’s small SUV Honda CRV or similar, probably blue or black.
6:49 PM: Police are searching for two suspects in a reported street robbery near the Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), and the Guardian One helicopter is on the way to join them. The victim told police his phone was stolen and that the suspects are male – possbly armed – and female. No other details so far.
6:54 PM: The search is ending, per radio exchange, because the person who reported their phone was taken does not want to pursue it as a criminal case after all.
Be on the lookout for Brad‘s stolen car:
It’s a maroon 1994 Honda Accord LX Sedan, license plate BBH9979, cracked windshield, a WWU sticker on the rear window, and a few stickers on the passenger side of the rear bumper, stolen Wednesday night/Thursday morning from the 4400 block of 49th Ave SW.
We hope you don’t ever have anything to report in Crime Watch – but if you do, after you’ve reported it to police (911 if it’s happening NOW), please send us info so your West Seattle neighbors will be aware too.
As if small businesses don’t have enough to worry about … Evan at Lady Jaye in The Junction sent that photo of damage to their door, explaining, “Someone tried to break in our back door last night, so remind everyone to lock their doors and set their alarms, especially the businesses that are empty. We are here a lot so it’s easier for us to police. All of our booze is off-premise too.” Local police say their emphasis patrols have switched focus to include closed businesses, but they can’t be everywhere – they’ve provided this advice, too.
This morning, we published the Seattle Police report about a woman beaten in West Seattle and the arrest of her boyfriend. The SPD information included a mention that domestic violence calls are up 21 percent in the past month citywide. Following up on that, here’s a message from SPD’s Victim Support Team:
1) Home is not safe for everyone. While national and local leaders have encouraged us to stay home to stop the spread of the pandemic, we also know that staying home may not be safe for many adults and children experiencing domestic violence. Community resources may be harder to access, and existing anxiety and fear will be compounded by this new global crisis.
2) Domestic violence thrives behind closed doors. Social distancing can magnify the feelings of isolation that domestic violence survivors may already be experiencing. This is an important time to encourage friends, family and neighbors to reach out and support each other in new and creative ways. Reaching out to let someone know they are not alone, can be incredibly helpful to break isolation.
3) Help is available. The Seattle Police Department is working alongside local community and national partners to ensure victims have access to the support they need to keep their families safe. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence in your relationship, please call the The National Domestic Violence Hotline, (24 hours everyday), 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 (TTY).
4) Call if you can, text if you can’t. When attempting to call 911, an already dangerous situation can intensify if an abusive partner tries to interfere with the call, or the violence escalates. The King County Text-to-911 technology offers survivors of domestic violence an added resource when they are unable to call for help. People who use this service must remember to text their exact location and type of assistance they need in their first message, so the call taker can begin to dispatch law enforcement response immediately.
Just in via SPD Blotter:
Seattle police arrested a domestic-violence suspect in Kent on Wednesday after his girlfriend was beaten and left in a wooded area of West Seattle last week.
Around 11:30 PM on March 24th, an injured woman walked up to a West Seattle home and asked for help.
The residents called 911, and police contacted the woman, who said she had been riding in a car with her boyfriend when he pulled over in a secluded wooded area. The man then reportedly pulled the woman out of the car and assaulted her, knocking her unconscious. The woman sustained significant facial injuries and had blood on her clothing following the attack.
The victim was transported to the hospital for further treatment.
Detectives from the SPD Domestic Violence and Major Crimes Taskforce obtained a warrant for the 26-year-old man and were able to locate him in Kent where, on April 1st, the SWAT team took him into custody.
Over the last month, the Seattle Police Department has seen a 21-percent increase in reports of domestic violence. If you, or someone you know, has experienced violence in a relationship or at home, please call or text 911 to get help from Seattle police and the Victim Support Team.
While you’re out walking, be on the lookout for Chris‘s stolen bike:
My bike was stolen off the back of my car sometime last night. As it was locked with a cable lock onto my bike rack, the thieves cut the bike rack off and made away with the rack with the bike stuck on it. It is a woman’s bike, pale metallic blue with the model named Mia on it. It was stolen from the front of my house on 34th Avenue SW by Willow St . Due to health conditions, this was my main source of exercise.
It looks like this stock photo – plus fenders and a carrier. The theft has been reported to police.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon:
STOLEN WHITE SUBARU: Reported by Becca:
Sadly reaching out to report that my car was stolen from our driveway last night. We live in the Gatewood neighborhood on Orchard Street. It is a 2017 white Subaru Crosstrek, WA plate BCW8406. Only thing unique is a yellow paint mark on the driver’s side mirror and expired RPZ 29 decal on the windshield.
If you see it, call 911.
BREAK-IN: Police were called to the 9400 block of 35th SW on Monday afternoon after evidence of burglary was found at a vacant, newly built home. According to the report, someone broke in by breaking a window between 8 pm Sunday and 1 pm Monday.
SCAM ALERT: Multiple WSBers have reported that scam callers are busy these days, with scams old and new. Be careful, and remind vulnerable family members not to give out their financial info. Lots of scam-alert resources out there – here’s one worth spotlighting, also containing links for reporting price-gouging and for debunking rumors.
12:18 PM: Emergency responders are at the scene of what’s reported as a car-on-side crash in the 1500 block of Alki SW (map).
12:21 PM: Adding a texted photo (thank you!). Per crews’ reports from the scene, everyone in the vehicle got out OK but a medic unit is being sent for a woman who may need treatment.
12:33 PM: At least three people will be taken to the hospital, via SFD medic unit and AMR ambulances.
12:44 PM: Added two more texted photos above (thanks to that texter too!). Some of the SFD units are being dismissed.
UPDATE 12:20 PM MONDAY: This is being investigated as DUI, SPD confirms. As for the victims, here’s what SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us:
5 of the occupants were able to self-extricate from the vehicle. Our crews were able to safely extricate the 1 year old female from their car seat.
29 year old female in stable condition.
26 year old male in stable condition.
5 year old male with no reported injuries.
9 year old male with no reported injuries.
7 year old male with minor injuries.
1 year old female with no reported injuries.
All were transported to HMC.
2:16 PM MONDAY: SPD’s update includes this:
At the hospital, the 26-year-old male driver was evaluated and showed signs of impairment. There was evidence of drug use by both the adult occupants. Officers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample from the driver. Following his release from the hospital, the driver was booked into the King County Jail for DUI.
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