West Seattle, Washington
26 Saturday
Two months ago today, we reported on the arrest and charging of 18-year-old Jackson U. Sullivan, charged with second-degree rape. Prosecutors say he raped a 16-year-old girl who was incapable of consent, “intoxicated to the point of loss of motor functions … (during) what should have been an enjoyable high-school party” last November. Usually defendants are arraigned a few weeks after charges are filed, but court operations have been affected by the pandemic, and after delays, Sullivan was arraigned this past Thursday; we obtained the court documents today. They say he pleaded not guilty, remains free on bond for $350,000 bail, and is ordered to return to court August 25th for a case-scheduling hearing – those are usually short hearings during which the judge gets an update on the case’s status.
Just as the city encourages more businesses to use outdoor space to make things safer for customers and staff – one West Seattle restaurant’s outdoor area has been hit by theft. The photo is from Itto’s Tapas (California/Genesee), which texted the photo and reports, “Someone stolen a couple outdoor tables and chairs last night after midnight.” A police report has been filed (tracking # T20018446)..
Three reader reports:
STOLEN FIAT: From Grant:
Last night at 2 am my wife’s 2015 white Fiat 500 Abarth stolen on the corner of 30th ave SW and Henderson. it was parked on Henderson. License plate BSM5719. Please let us know if you have seen the car or see it parked somewhere. Two young males seen on our cameras, both wearing gray hoodies. Looks like one of them may wear glasses.
Call 911 if you see the car, and then contact Grant at 1g*********@***il.com.
MYSTERY CAR: The photo and report are from Kristen:
There has been an abandoned Subaru @ the Admiral lookout for about 2 weeks. Alaska license #DJN 559. I tried to report to SPD, however, they are not taking abandoned vehicle reports at this time. I will try to find how to report to Alaska police department if possible, but thought I would share here in case someone locally is familiar with the vehicle.
We have suggested she also try Parking Enforcement and Parks, since the viewpoint belongs to the latter.
DUMPED ITEMS: Photos and report from Rebecca:
I was disconcerted to find a cache of dumped items in front of my property this morning, hoping to reconnect these things with their proper owner(s) one item is just a box that’s been ripped into- no contents- likely a porch pirate deal from a Trenton st address. Other items are umbrella stroller, clothing etc.
Didn’t want to dig too deep (even with gloved hands)
Recognize any of that? Let us know and we will connect you.
The video and report are from Kacie at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor):
Just wanted to share that we were broken into around 3:20 this morning. They broke in through the front door, smashing the glass and stole a refurbished Samsung tablet and loose change. We consider ourselves very lucky that we only have to replace the front door and clean up glass.
SPD incident # is 2020-196715.
Two reader reports:
STOLEN ART MERCHANDISE: From Brigida:
I had about $400 worth of art prints, greeting cards and other products I was shipping out to customers stolen today just before 10 am from my front porch. I caught them in the act and briefly gave chase but no luck.
The car was a silver-gray four door sedan with a license plate number of BIS—. Although I didn’t get a good look at the driver, the guy who jumped out and stole the packages was white, probably between 20-30 years old, slim build, medium height wearing a black cap, black mask and dark clothing. They took off westward from the 3500 block of Charlestown towards California.
In case any of these items get dumped somewhere, there are eighteen 11×14 reproductions of watercolor art of PNW nature illustrations, plus some stickers and greeting cards.
They were mostly packaged in flat white rigid mailers, and one priority mail box. As a full-time artist and solo business owner, things have already been pretty tough this year, so this was an extra bummer on top of everything else. Thanks in advance if you find anything!
Police incident number is: 20-195744
HIT-RUN: Early Tuesday, a driver went through the fence at the 1250 Alki Ave. SW construction site:
Matt says neighbors think it was a small white SUV-type car. If you have any info, (206) 247-4136.
Two reader reports:
BRAZEN BIKE THEFT: That bicycle was stolen as its owner watched, reports Robert:
My son’s bike was stolen from Schmitz Park Elementary tonight at around 8:20. He was waiting for some friends and put his bike down. A family (dad, mom and 3-4 kids – all under 10) were at the playground The family walked off and then the dad came back and took the bike. He put in the back of his van. My son tried to stop him but no luck.
He gave chase after the van on foot He was calling me and I happened to be a couple blocks away and saw the van with bike in back. I followed but he must have figured it out and took off. I honked a bit and then he really took off so stopped following.
We got several pictures of the van but it appears he took the license plate off. The vehicle was a later model mini van (didn’t get make). Color was silver-ish. The entire back window was taped so might be obvious if you see it. Hoping there is a chance he dumped it as he knew we following him. He drove toward Seaview neighborhood. Or maybe someone saw them at the school and can give a better description?
The bike was a Cannondale Habit 4. A few years old but a nicer mountain bike. He put his Birthday, lawn–mowing money, pressure-washing money toward it, so a tough lesson to learn.
Thanks in advance if you find the bike or see the vehicle.
The police report # is 2020-194353.
CAR PROWLS: Also tonight, this report from Flavia: “I live in the Arroyos neighborhood and had a car break-in at 2:40 in the morning. I am 1 of 3 houses that was hit in the neighborhood. All were car break-ins.”
The photo and report are from Samuel, who says this happened near 10th/Barton:
Our 2014 black Nissan Leaf (license plate BQJ-2625) was just stolen from out in front of our house (within the last 2.5 hours). Case number 20-194155
If you see it, call 911.
(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.)
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.
James emailed tonight to report, “My red 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer (SUV) was stolen on Morgan and 40th Ave SW overnight.” Plate BTP1685. If you see it, call 911.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.)
From Steve:
Someone stole my work van near 35th and SW Cambridge.
License C99091A, Chevrolet Express 2500.
White work/passenger van with audio equipment.
Resembles pic with some peeled paint.
SPD case 2020-181471
Call 911 if you see it.
(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.
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.
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