West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
(WSB photos)
8:11 PM: SPD and SFD have converged on the 7800 block of Detroit SW – at or near Shree’s Truck Stop – to investigate a reported shooting. The ~50-year-old man who is reported to have been shot is or was in a car – police don’t know yet whether he was shot there, or driven there after being shot elsewhere.
8:14 PM: Police just told dispatch the shooting happened at the scene where the victim was found.
8:16 PM: Officers have just told dispatch the victim has died.
8:49 PM: We are at the scene. Police say no one is in custody and they have no information on suspects. Adding scene photos.
10:32 PM: Police have just posted about this on SPD Blotter but the only new detail is that the victim was 53. If you have any information, they ask that you call 206-233-5000.
NOTE: This is the sixth non-vehicular homicide in West Seattle so far this year, after 15-year-old Mobarak Adam‘s shooting death at Southwest Pool/Teen Center in January, 22-year-old Luis Solis Lara‘s shooting death on Duwamish Head in June, 53-year-old William Tappe‘s beating death in the east Junction area in June, 32-year-old Laupule Talaga‘s shooting death in The Triangle last month, and 57-year-old Tammy Towers Parry‘s shooting death south of The Junction on October 1.
ADDED: We just went through the archives; six was the West Seattle homicide total for all of 2023. And one of those was a deadly shooting at the Delridge Shree’s gas station – the victim was shot there, drove away, and died exiting the West Seattle Bridge.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Police are not releasing any additional information. Today, however, the Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 53-year-old Oton Garcia Ruiz, cause of death “gunshot wound to torso.”
We’re continuing our spotlight on West Seattle Halloween decorations, with photos sent by readers. These are from Amanda:
Our wonderful, Halloween-loving neighbors have outdone themselves again. Located on the NE corner of 42nd Ave SW and SW Hudson. Plenty to see on both sides of the yard during the day.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos/video so far – you can scroll through our Halloween-coverage archive (including past years) by going here. And if you have a display to suggest we showcase, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Chili flight from 2022 West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival cookoff)
The weather may not yet be chilly … but the food forecast is chili. Three upcoming events in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar feature fundraising chili cookoffs, so we’re spotlighting them in case you haven’t yet heard.
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH/Y CENTENNIAL CHILI COOKOFF: The first one is coming up this Wednesday (October 16, 6:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church‘s fellowship hall (9140 California SW), part of the centennial celebration. Organizers say, “We will be donating all proceeds from this Chili Fest Cookoff to a shared campaign to eliminate medical debt for families in need in the Seattle area.” $15/person, kids under 10 free. If you’re a chili cook, you can even register to compete. RSVP – whether you’re a prospective chili consumer or cook – by going here.
WESTSIDE INTERFAITH NETWORK: Next Saturday (October 19) at 6:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), this coalition of faith communities is raising money for its social work via its first-ever chili cookoff. Tickets for this one are also $15, and you get chili, cornbread, and salad, plus additional donation/purchase opportunities to support WIN’s projects such as the weekly Welcome Table for people in need. Buy your ticket(s) here.
JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL: West Seattle’s premier chili cookoff is back this year during the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, starting at 11 am Sunday, October 27. Restaurants and other pro food purveyors compete to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank; you buy a flight of chili (while they last) in the festival zone at California/Alaska, and vote for your fave. (No advance ticketing for this one.) We’ll be checking in with the WSFB soon to see who’s competing this year (and to see what the pricing will be)!
(A few of the cakes from 2022 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)
Bake a cake for the cake-judging contest/cakewalk! Volunteer to help ensure the festival is fun for all! Or – just show up and enjoy it! Those are three ways to be part of this year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, 2-5 pm next Sunday (October 20) on both sides of the 9140 block of California SW [map]. Besides the cakes (participation details to come), the festival will include pumpkin-painting, birdhouse-building, bunny-petting, raptor-watching, salmon-hat-making, inflatable-bouncing/climbing, live music, and more. It’s not just kid stuff – all ages will find fun. Free except for food concessions, but if you come, donations are always welcome to help cover the costs (look for opportunities near the entrances) – this longrunning festival is entirely powered by donations and volunteers. See you there!
(First and third photos by Matthew J. Clark)
Local youth soccer players, families, and supporters gathered one week ago for a special screening celebrating women’s soccer. Event organizer Christine Clark sent this report:
Last Sunday (Oct 6th), Highline Soccer Association hosted a free film screening at the historic Admiral Theater to help raise funds for scholarships for their HSA Select players. The featured film was COPA ’71, a documentary about the long-forgotten story of how Mexico City hosted the first-ever Women’s World Cup Soccer tournament in 1971.
It’s an incredible and important documentary of how these pioneers helped create women’s soccer today. Interviews from players along with a historian bring this true event back to life thanks to Directors Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine and Executive Producers Serena and Venus Williams and Alex Morgan.
Over 200 people of all ages packed the Admiral. Jessica Pierce from Junction FC was also in the audience and made a very special announcement after the film – saying that Junction FC has big news in the near future that will further empower women in soccer in our community!
(Christine Clark and Jessica Pierce)
HSA Event Promoter Christine Clark said that “After seeing this film a year ago at SIFF, I knew it would be important for many more to see. I am a huge supporter of girls and women in sports and happy to help keep that movement moving forward. COPA ’71 has such an important message, so I was thrilled with our turn out and hope, in turn, all will tell their friends to see.” If you’d like to view the film, you can stream it on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV.
HSA would like to do a big shout-out to the Admiral Theater for their kindness and help with this event. Danny Ramos and partner Shoshana were fantastic.
If you’d like to make a donation to support youth soccer and give athletes a chance to play, you can donate to HSA via Venmo: @HighlineSoccerAssociation
Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Ernest Policarpio sent the photo and report:
Congratulations to the Chief Sealth Slowpitch team for defeating Ballard 15-9 in the Metro Championship yesterday at SWAC. They will play Holy Names in the 1st round of the Sea-King District Tournament.
Here’s the bracket – the tournament is also at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), next Thursday and Saturday (October 17 and 19). The Seahawks’ first game is at 5 pm Thursday. Chief Sealth slowpitch softball has a history of success, including back-to-back league championships in 2019 – with a trip to the state tournament – and pandemic-rescheduled 2020-2021.
ORIGINAL SUNDAY REPORT: Sent by Erich:
My vehicle was stolen this morning between midnight and 4:00 AM from in front of my house in Arbor Heights.
-2004 Cadillac Escalade
-WA state plate number: AGF 1071
-VIN (ends in) 8138
-There is a Colorado Sheriff sticker on front windshield, driver’s side. Headlights are faded, passenger side much more than driver’s side.
A police report has been filed. The fuel level indicator showed “low level” so hopefully the thief(ves) will run out of gas. I have a sentimental attachment to the vehicle as it was my father’s (who is now deceased).
Call 911 if you find it.
MONDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: Erich emailed to report, “My 2004 Escalade was located by the Seattle Police department on the 3400 block of Henderson in West Seattle. Oddly enough I found the door to a safe in the back.”
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here are the highlights of what’s happening in our area today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings):
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, dive into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Realfine Coffee (35th SW & SW Kenyon).
(WSB photo, Saturday)
WEST SEATTLE SKI SWAP, DAY 2: Biggest Ski Swap ever, with double the consigned items – so go shop and get ready for snow season with great deals on skis, boards, boots, more! 10 am-4 pm at West Seattle’s VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, open 10 am-2 pm, with seasonal produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
APPLELOOZA: While you’re at the Farmers’ Market, taste – and vote on – apples during this annual event!
PUMPKIN PATCH AT OUNCES: Noon-7 pm, second day!
Cascadia Produce has turned our beer garden into a Pumpkin Patch! Pick out your pumpkins, snap pics at the hay bale photo booth, get festive for fall and drink beer while you’re at it! Patch will be open when Ounces is (Tuesdays – Sundays) thru 10/26! It’s FREE (no entry fee), all ages and dogs welcome!
(3809 Delridge Way SW)
‘NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE WINTER GARDEN’: 1 pm class at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW) – our calendar listing has info and the ticket link.
DRUMMING & SINGING TO CALL THE SALMON HOME: 4 pm at upper Fauntleroy Way/SW Director, all are welcome to join this annual tradition, drumming and singing to welcome salmon spawners home to Fauntleroy Creek. Bring your own drum if you have one; your voice and presence are appreciated anyway if you don’t.
‘BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT’: Series of Sunday night events at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW):
We are pleased to be able to offer this series to our community and invite all who are interested in learning more about the history and future of the Duwamish tribe and the effects of colonization on the Indigenous community to join us.
5 pm-6 pm, no RSVP required.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:45 PM: What a week it’s been for sights in the sky! First the aurora, then that sunset, now … Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)! Thanks to everyone sending photos of the comet, visible around dusk in the west. Above, the first photo we received was from Lars Lindblad, at Me-Kwa-Mooks. Below, from James Tilley, at Alki Beach:
And this one is from Tracey Kipp (of WSB sponsor West Seattle Realty):
The comet’s visibility has been anticipated for months – skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen talked about it at her fall-equinox sunset watch. Meantime, we’re checking the other photos that have come in – we’ll be adding more!
9:40 PM: If the sky is clear, the comet will be visible in the west again tomorrow, Alice tells us – just look west after sunset. … Another photo from tonight, sent by Madison Kirkman:
Just in from a reader:
There’s an abandoned vehicle that’s clearly stolen, ditched at the corner of Andover and 50th Ave SW. It’s an older-model (updated) Chevrolet Tahoe SUV, gold/tan with a car seat in the back row. Someone ripped apart the ignition and it has no plates.
The finder was working on reporting to police too.
(WSB file photos from past Duwamish Alive! events)
Can you set aside a few hours next Saturday to do something that matters in a big way? You can help endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales by volunteering in the Duwamish River watershed to help the salmon on which they rely. We’re told every site for the October 19th Duwamish Alive! multi-site volunteering event still has spots open, even the popular on-the-river kayaking cleanup. Go here and pick a site. Or take inspiration from this first – Sharon Leishman of the Duwamish Alive! Coalition explains why your assistance is so important:
The Duwamish River is alive with its returning salmon and the wildlife that depends on them. Join us for a day in caring for our amazing river, its creeks, and all those living in and around it.
Our coalition partners will be hosting work parties throughout the watershed; efforts include caring for Duwamish Tribal Sacred Sites along the river, special salmon habitat sites that are critical for juvenile salmon as they make their way to Puget Sound, a kayak river cleanup, creating pollinator plant meadows, improving the river’s upland forested Greenbelt, and restoring Hamm Creek at a site that honors military veterans and John Beal, the person who started the immense effort in restoring the river’s health.
Activities include replacing invasive plants with native plants, mulching, removing trash from both the river and at sites, including special tire removal along the river. This is a day of not only improving the health of the Duwamish Watershed but also connecting with community. All are welcome to join this effort. This is a family-friendly event, all ages welcome.
Some of the sites are in West Seattle, others not far. Go here to choose where to help, 10 am-2 pm next Saturday!
(WSB photos)
Snow season has yet to begin, so it’s the right time to be sure you’re geared up for it. This weekend’s West Seattle Ski Swap has a bigger selection than ever – skis, boards, boots, apparel, more.
You’ll find all this at the West Seattle VFW Post 2713 Hall (3601 SW Alaska) until 5 pm today, and again from 10 am to 4 pm tomorrow.
The Ski Swap is presented again this year by Mountain to Sound Outfitters, whose storefront is across the street from the Ski Swap site.
(WSB photos)
We’ve mentioned the Delridge Farmers’ Market (in and around the courtyard at 9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor) every Saturday, but haven’t visited since early in the season, so we just went over to see what’s fresh and what’s new in its final weeks. It’s still brimming with fresh-grown vegetables and fruit, plus prepared food, flowers, and some extras (more on that in a minute). The newer vendors include King’s Mozzarella:
They have Mexican-style quesos as well as different varieties of mozzarella – including habanero, for heat lovers. (What they’re selling today, they made just yesterday!) Next door, Indian ice cream by Sookh:
You can get a bowl to enjoy at the market (there’s seating) or order pints to take home. Today’s flavors include Saffron Pistachio, Alphonso Mango, Cardamom Soy Sauce Caramel, and Turmeric Milk and Pumpkin, Many of the vendors with whom we spoke are from South King County, but yet another newer vendor brought mushrooms all the way from the Olympic Peninsula:
Grower Zach has multiple varieties, including blue oyster, lion’s mane, and enoki. Steps away from his table are vendors offering the fall bounty of greens and roots:
That’s today’s list from Umoja N’Inguvu, growing in Kent, as does Nhia with Blooms and Greens next door – you’ll find collards, red kale, parsley, more.
The market, managed by African Community Housing and Development, not only helps BIPOC growers and prepared-food providers reach buyers, but it also fights food insecurity with a free-food program. And we’re told that on the last market day of the year, October 26, they’ll be giving away 125 frozen halal whole chickens. Visit and you might find nonfood surprises (today, on the south side of the market, you can get a chiropractic adjustment). The market is open until 2 pm today – and then the last two markets before fall/winter break are 10 am-2 pm October 19 and 26.
With ballot-mailing season just days away, we checked for the first time in a while to see if either of West Seattle’s drive-up/ride-up post-office mailboxes had been returned. The photo above is from the Westwood post office (2721 SW Trenton), where this box’s predecessor had been removed for repairs last month. Note that the new box is the bigger old-style drive-up/ride-up type. We also checked at the West Seattle Junction post office (4412 California SW), which has been without an outdoor mailbox since the last one was stolen almost a year ago. Still no replacement, though a USPS spokesperson told us last month that they do intend to install a new one but were still waiting for it (we’ll check back with her next week after the holiday).
In a doubleheader last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, both high-school varsity football teams scored victories by keeping their opponents scoreless. West Seattle High School (3-3) opened the night against Lakeside, winning 13-0; Chief Sealth International High School (5-1) closed the night with a 50-0 win over Cleveland. Next Friday (October 18), WSHS plays Ingraham at NCSWAC at 4:30 pm, while CSIHS is on the road, 7:45 pm at Nathan Hale.
(Caterpillar on a fall flower – photo by Rosalie Miller)
Here are the highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
(added) COMMUNITY CIDER PRESSING: Celebrate the season with a fresh fall beverage!
Join us for a hot cup of cider at the Arbor Heights School Garden (South Side of the School Building on 105th) between 9 am and 1 pm. We rented an electric press through City Fruit, so the cider making is quick and efficient. Bring apples if you would like to press your own cider to take home. Don’t forget to bring empty jugs.
WATCH THE HUSKIES: The Bridge (California/Graham) is opening early if you want to watch the 9 am UW-Iowa game.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.
VACCINATION CLINIC: School clinic, but community’s welcome too – flu and COVID shots available, 9 am-3 pm at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW).
WEST SEATTLE SKI SWAP, DAY 1: Biggest Ski Swap ever, we’re told, with double the consigned items – so go shop and get ready for snow season with some great deals! 10 am-5 pm at West Seattle’s VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend right now! Start your market shopping with this one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season isn’t over yet! (Is it ever?) Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: Rat City Studios and Rain City Clay‘s annual show at Dubsea Coffee continues – shop’s open for viewing, and beverages!, until 2 pm. (9910 8th SW)
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Another bonus Saturday session of long-distance get-out-the-vote advocacy, noon-2 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
\NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: 2 pm in the St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church parking lot, bring your pet – on leash or in carrier – for this annual tradition. Free. (3050 California SW)
PAUL GERARD, LIVE: Performing 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
DAVE NACHMANOFF & FRIENDS, LIVE: Performing at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7 pm doors, 7:30 pm show, tickets here.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
1:27 AM: Happening right now – police and fire are responding to what’s reported to be a flipped-vehicle crash toward the north end of California SW, involving a driver suspected in a hit-run by Seacrest. Officers report they have one person in custody at the California crash scene. The flipped vehicle (we don’t actually know so far if it’s on its roof or side, as authorities tend to use “rollover” to describe both circumstances) is reported to be a Chevrolet Colorado truck.
1:44 AM: The truck has since been described as off the road, flipped, minus one or two wheels. Meantime, one person at the hit-run scene is reported to be injured.
10:57 PM: 911 got a call about racing on Harbor Avenue and Guardian One happened to overhear the dispatch, so volunteered to help with the response.
11:01 PM: After several circles, the helicopter has left our area, headed south.
11:10 PM: Now Guardian One is doing wide loops over South Delridge, White Center, and Arbor Heights. SPD radio is quiet; we’re checking KCSO.
11:18 PM: They’re doing a ground search too in the 22nd SW and SW 97th vicinity, but for what/who, we don’t yet know – except that it apparently involves looking for a car.
11:25 PM: They looked at a possibility but it apparently was an unoccupied vehicle that was not what they were looking for, so the helicopter has moved on. We’ll go back into KCSO dispatch archives a bit to see if the recording clarifies what this was about.
11:48 PM: Archived audio indicates that Guardian One picked up a Lojack signal from a stolen car in that area, a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, stolen within Seattle city limits but pinging to somewhere in the aforementioned area, and they asked if ground crews were available to help look for it. (added) Continuing to listen, they did find the car, abandoned. So that’s when the helicopter left and deputies on the ground took over.
(File photo)
Three months ago, we told you that Luna Park Café proprietor John Bennett had, after 35 years, decided to find a new owner for his restaurant. Now the search is over. We discovered this via a routine check of liquor-license applications – one way to learn about new establishments or new owners for existing ones – and followed up with Bennett, who confirmed the sale:
I did sell Luna Park Cafe after over 35 years of ownership. I started building out the restaurant in 1988 in what was Pat and Ron’s tavern. I opened the day after St Patrick’s Day 1989. I carefully vetted all the people who made offers. I feel I picked the right person to take over for the next 35 years. I physically worked at the restaurant for 4 months before I sold it. It was great to talk to all the longtime customers and work with an amazing staff. It was bittersweet to sell, but I need to move on toward retirement.
The new owner is Heong Soon Park, already an accomplished restaurateur – his restaurants include Bacco Café at Pike Place Market, Chan Seattle in the Paramount Hotel, and Cheese Room Seattle on Capitol Hill (which took over the longtime Ristorante Machiavelli space). Via email, we asked the new owner if any changes are ahead for Luna Park Café. He replied, “Luna Park will stay the same, I will be working on improving food and some service, but only to make it better, I promised John to keep for another 30 years to keep his legacy and I want to keep my promise.” For now the hours will remain 8 am-3 pm daily, but Park adds, “We are planning to open for the evening next year. I have a lot of things to digest before I go further.” But he stresses he’s in it for the long haul: “I am improving Luna Park to make it better and can last another 30 years. Who know who will be taking over after 30 years; hopefully my kids. But give me some time, I will promise you to make it better in every way and be the #1 West Seattle go-to spot!!” (Never been to Luna Park Café? 2918 SW Avalon Way.)
Once again this year, Dirk at 37th/Graham is putting on a Halloween lights-and-music (tune to 87.9 FM when nearby) extravaganza, and that’s what we’re featuring tonight as our Halloween-decoration spotlights continue.
Twice as many lights as last year, Dirk says, and the music is inspired by Hans Zimmer‘s recent live performance, including movie music from James Bond (in the clip above), Dune, Wonder Woman, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean, and likely more. This show may not be running every evening until next Friday, so if you happen by and it’s not on, put it on your list for next weekend and beyond. Not particularly spooky music, but hey, how many times in one season do you want to hear “Thriller”? Dirk, by the way, is very interested in feedback, especially on the music, so when you see the full show, come back here to comment! (All our Halloween-related coverage, including decorations, is archived and scrollable here. And if you have decoration pics and/or video to share, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)
The night after the Northern Lights, another spectacular show in the West Seattle sky – a showy sunset. Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos! The one above is from Brooke Gosztola; below, from Tom Trulin, by the Fauntleroy ferry dock:
This one is from John Denault in Highland Park:
You might have noticed the rainbow in the east before sunset – Jerry Simmons caught this image:
We might have a few more to add – check back!
At least three West Seattle cases are among almost 80 robberies and other violent crimes that police are linking to four teenagers they arrested Thursday in Federal Way. From this afternoon’s announcement, made by Seattle Police, who say other agencies were involved:
On September 5th, many King County police agencies began investigating a rash of violent robberies, carjackings, burglaries, and shootings. This crime spree has totaled 78 known cases throughout King County alone. This group is responsible for at least 22 Seattle cases, most of which are armed robberies.
The targets of the majority of these robberies were gas stations as well as late-night fast-food restaurants. The group would often consist of 2-3 males wearing face masks and hooded clothing. The suspects would show up in a stolen vehicle which was either taken in a vehicle theft or a carjacking. They would enter the store, prop the door open, and point guns directly at the employees demanding they open the cash register. In many cases they would destroy computers they believed were tied to surveillance footage.
With probable cause generated by the Seattle Police Robbery Unit, we conducted surveillance with assistance from the Gun Violence Reduction Unit (GVRU) on a location where these suspects were known to frequent in Federal Way. While on this surveillance operation, detectives armed with knowledge of a recent Bellevue carjacking that had just occurred roughly 30-40 minutes prior, observed the suspects pulling into the parking lot of this apartment complex. Seattle Police SWAT operators were mobilized as were King County’s Guardian One helicopter and K9 units. The suspects then exited the apartment unit and got back into the stolen Mercedes and drove away.
With helicopter surveillance, a tire-deflation device, SWAT officers, and a foot pursuit, they finally arrested the suspects; the SPD Blotter post gets into those details. SPD’s post also includes this map showing some of the locations, including three in West Seattle:
We don’t have a list cross-referencing the locations/numbers to incidents, and no charges are yet filed referring to specific incidents (that’s expected next week). But during a briefing at HQ this afternoon (we weren’t able to go downtown but watched via regional-media stream – update: SPD has now made the video available here), a detective specifically mentioned the September 30th incident at the 16th/Holden 7-11, in which a would-be robber tried to shoot his way into the (locked) store, so that’s one of the cases.
WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE THE ARRESTS: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says the lone adult, an 18-year-old, had an appearance this afternoon. He was initially arrested for investigation of unlawful gun possession. Prosecutors asked for $200,000 bail; a judge set it at $100,000. Police say the gun was stolen, and that he is ineligible to possess any gun because he’s a convicted felon. (Juvenile court records show he pleaded guilty in two robbery cases.)
Of the juveniles, here’s what KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney said has happened so far:
A 16-year-old arrested was in court Friday afternoon for a 1:30 p.m. hearing the Clark Child and Family Justice Center. He was arrested for investigation of robbery and investigation of unlawful possession of a firearm for two different offense dates. Prosecutors asked for him to be held in custody. (In juvenile court in King County, a bail amount is not argued – it’s either in our out of custody, which is decided by the Court). The Court found probable cause for Robbery in the First Degree and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He remains in custody. King County prosecutors anticipate receiving a case from police investigators for a charging decision by Tuesday, Oct. 15. In juvenile cases statewide, first appearance document are not available in juvenile cases the same way they are in adult cases, in line with state law. Police narratives are available after charges are filed and charging decisions have been made by prosecutors – and that comes after law enforcement investigators make a full case referral (which is anticipated for these specific allegations on Oct. 15).
A 15-year-old was arrested on a warrant for a previous case that he is on supervision for. In August 2024, the teen was sentenced through traditional prosecution for Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission in the Second Degree and Robbery in the Second Degree and was granted a suspended disposition alternative by the Court, as authorized by law. When the 15-year-old did not follow his court-ordered terms, King County prosecutors made a motion for a bench warrant on August 22, 2024. The 15-year-old was arrested Thursday on that warrant. King County prosecutors asked for the Court to hold him in custody, and the Court held him in custody after hearing from both sides. (Again, there is not a bail amount set in juvenile court – it’s either in or out of custody.) A new case or new first appearance document for the 15-year-old has not been referred to King County prosecutors at this point.
Another 16-year-old was identified by police in this investigation, but it does not appear he was formally booked. Information for a first appearance hearing for that 16-year-old has not been sent to King County prosecutors. (Arrest and booking decisions are separate from prosecutors.) If prosecutors receive a case referral, it will be reviewed for a charging decision and police can send cases anytime within the statute of limitations.
3:45 PM: Thanks for the tip. Vehicles are not being allowed to cross the West Seattle low bridge right now. SDOT says the bridge is having “technical issues.” According to one texter, the bike/foot path is open, though. Updates to come.
4:22 PM: Live camera just showed the gates raising from the vehicle lanes and traffic moving again.
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