West Seattle, Washington
07 Saturday
Sent today by Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner, another of the occasional notifications that a Level 3 sex offender has moved into a local neighborhood:
In an effort to keep you informed, and in our constant attempts to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know about a level 3 sex offender that has recently moved into a SW Precinct neighborhood.
Christopher Kinser, a 59-year-old white man, is a level 3 registered sex offender who has recently moved to the 9700 block of Myers Way South. Mr. Kinser is no longer under Department of Corrections supervision.
To learn more about this offender and to see his photo, please visit the King County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender website and search by his name; you will also find personal safety tips and resources on this website. [Editor’s note: Here’s a direct link to the page with his photo and background information
To register to receive an email alert whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired address(es), go to (this) link.
Level 3 sex offenders pose the highest risk to re-offend. It is normal to feel upset, angry and worried about a registered sex offender living in your community. The Community Notification Act of 1990 requires sex offenders to register in the community where they live. The law also allows local law enforcement to make the public aware about Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Since these offenders have completed their sentences, they are free to live where they wish. Experts believe sex offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of harassment. Any actions taken against the listed sex offenders could result in arrest and prosecution as it is against the law to use this information in any way to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders. The SPD Sex offender detectives will check on these offenders every 3 months to verify our information.
The single most effective means of protecting your child is communication with your child. They have to feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you. Teach your children that they should not be asked to touch anyone in the bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those areas. Teach them types of situations to avoid. It is not good enough to tell a child to avoid strangers. Please remember that children are most often molested by someone they or their parents know.
Other questions? This FAQ might help
6:30 PM: Thanks for the tips. Lots of SPD just south of Holy Family and Guardian One overhead. It’s a very active scene. SPD says one person was hurt in a shooting. They are questioning people at a house near 18th/98th and trying to get someone to come out. More…
6:52 PM: The possible suspect has come out. G-1 is gone. The sergeant at the scene tells us it turned out no one was hurt.
7:31 PM: SPD update via Twitter: “Officers investigating probable shooting at residence. No victims located at this time. One person contacted, but refused assistance. Officers collected evidence, this remains an active investigation.”
(WSB photo, June 19th)
3;30 PM: One day after Seattle Police announced that the “remains” found off Duwamish Head June 19th were that of a woman and a man, their names and causes of death have just been made public. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office says both died of gunshot wounds. The woman was identified as 35-year-old Jessica Lewis; the man, 27-year-old Austin Wenner. The date of death for both was listed as June 16th, three days before a suspicious-smelling suitcase brought police to the scene. SPD told us yesterday – before the names were made public – that they had been in contact with both victims’ families. We’re working to find out more and will update with anything additional.
3:43 PM: A social-media search brought up a page for an Austin Wenner, from Kent, who posted in 2015 that he was “in a relationship” with a Jessica Lewis, from Federal Way. Continuing to research …
(WSB photo, June 19th)
We’ve been checking with police and the Medical Examiner‘s office repeatedly since the discovery a week and a half ago of “human remains” found off Luna/Anchor Park. Today – new information: Police say the remains were those of two people, a 27-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman.(Their names have not yet been made public, nor has the cause of death.) They’re not saying anything more except that it’s very much an active homicide investigation and they “do not believe this case is connected to any other investigations in the Puget Sound area.” Police add, “Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.”
ADDED – MORE BACKSTORY: As noted in our first followup last week, the discovery on June 19th – chronicled by teenagers in a TikTok video – involved a suitcase on the rocks by the Luna/Anchor Park viewpoint. The teens, who said they went to the park while playing Randonautica, called police because the suitcase smelled bad; officers weren’t able to get there for two hours, by which time the tide had risen and the suitcase’s contents started floating away.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After five years, West Seattle and South Park police are about to get a new boss.
As reported here Friday, Capt. Pierre Davis is leaving.
“Big shoes to fill,” says the Southwest Precinct‘s next commander, Capt. Kevin Grossman. We talked with him by phone on Monday.
This won’t be his first time running a precinct. – he was South Precinct commander 2017-2019, and is currently commander of the Special Victims section, which handles cases including sexual assault. His department bio notes that he’s also served as liaison officer to the Seattle Housing Authority, supervisor in the Audit, Policy, and Research section, aide in the Chief’s Office, supervisor in the Office of Police Accountability, watch commander in two precincts, operations lieutenant in the North Precinct, and seven years as a hostage negotiator for.
(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.)
(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
5:31 PM: Thanks for the tips about the big police response in the 1100 block of Alki Avenue. Radio communication indicated a report of “possible human remains” in the water; so far, we are told at the scene, nothing definitive – they are still searching.
5:48 PM: What they HAVE found, so far, is a black plastic bag that smelled really bad. That’s why they are searching further, to look for potential contents.
6:35 PM: Police boats are still there, searching.
(Photo sent by Stewart L.)
8:08 PM: Police spokesperson Det. Mark Jamieson confirms to WSB that they did find “human remains.” Several bags, according to a subsequent SPD Blotter post.
9:46 PM: Identification and cause of death will be up to the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine.
12:28 PM: Thanks to Stewart L. for the photo above – he says police were back out checking around the Luna Park area this morning (low tide was just after 11). We headed out in hopes of catching them but they were gone by the time we got there. Also gone, the yellow tape; the Luna/Anchor Park viewpoint is open again.
SUNDAY NOTE: As discussed in comments, TikTok users who say they made the original discovery – showing a suitcase on the rocks by Luna/Anchor Park – have posted videos about it. They say police didn’t respond to their original report until repeated calls hours later. We will be following up on that too (and, as noted in comments, would be interested in talking with anybody who has firsthand knowledge – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!).
12:58 PM: Longtime Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis is leaving, reassigned to headquarters. We just received his announcement:
To our West Seattle community,
Our nation has been obviously challenged this year. The Covid-19 virus and its accompanying prevention protocols took us all by storm and has changed our daily interactions with one another. Also, we are struggling with a multitude of civil unrest incidents sparked by the killing/death of George Floyd.
In dealing with both monumental issues, I’ve seen the very best in a great many people. With Covid-19, I’ve witnessed neighbors helping neighbors accompanied with a great partnership effort with police and Seattle Fire, and with the recent protests and marches, I’ve seen a great many communities accompanied by law enforcement, peacefully marching, partnering for a common peaceful goal.
That said, I must give credit where credit is due. Our West Seattle communities, including South Park, have stepped up greatly and displayed front and center what it looks and feels like when a community and their officers take serious ownership of one another, and for that I am truly grateful.
The outpouring of support and outreach by our community to your officers during these times is heartfelt and a testament to the trust and partnership that you have with your officers.
I’ve had the pleasure to work with and for you for several years and I couldn’t be more proud and honored for that privilege. That said, regretfully I must inform you that I will be reassigned to Police Headquarters at the end of June, completing a 5-year tour of duty as your precinct commander. I want to thank our West Seattle community for hanging in there with us as we try to provide the very best in responsive police services. Again, Thank You for your unwavering support, friendship and partnership!
Sincerely,
Captain Pierre Davis
Commander, Southwest Precinct
We have a message out to find out who will succeed him, whether interim or permanent.
BACKGROUND: Capt. Davis came to the precinct in 2010 as second in command – Operations Lt. – after serving in the Traffic Division. He led the precinct as interim commander in 2014, the year he was promoted to captain. He left West Seattle for a while and was at the East Precinct before returning here in 2015 as commander after then-Capt. Steve Wilske was promoted ta assistant chief.
3:42 PM: No word yet about who’ll run the precinct next – responding to our inquiry, Public Affairs’ Sgt. Lauren Truscott said they didn’t have that information yet.
ADDED MONDAY: Captain Kevin Grossman will be the new precinct commander. We talked with him this afternoon and will have that story later in the day.
8:17 PM: Just got a call from neighbors of the family looking for Byron, missing about half an hour near 56th and Dakota. He’s in his 70s and has dementia; he’s white, with white hair, 5’9″, thin, wearing a red/white/blue collared shirt and tan pants. Police are searching too. If you see him, call 911.
8:20 PM: Good news! He’s been found, safe.
ADDED: The photo mentioned in a comment, published with the family’s permission:
Two reader reports this afternoon. First, from H:
At 5:27 am today, 6/4/2020 while waiting at the bus stop for the C line going Downtown, at the Morgan junction /California and Fauntleroy, a man in his mid to late 30’s, wearing a bright white jacket, fairly dark skin, was attempting to lure me into his car. The man was driving a Toyota Prius in dark metallic Gray.
This man pulled over by entrance of the Cal-Mor Circle apartments, and from there he started asking how I was doing, what my name was, and if I needed a ride. I said I didn’t need a ride, and he immediately followed up with “when is your bus coming?” I told him he needed to go right now. Fortunately, my bus was in fact coming, and he started driving away slowly, N bound on California Ave.
I got on the bus and I noticed he had turned around, and was now slowly driving south on California Ave. looking for me, perhaps thinking I was still waiting at the stop. I was able to snap a few pictures of the car, but wasn’t able to get the plate because I was very nervous. I’ve attached the picture from when I got on the bus.
The SPD incident # is 2020-181096.
MISSING BICYCLE: Likely stolen. From Nicole: “”Our bike went missing from our street last night (Wednesday night). It is a Diamondback Line 24″ in blue, which is a larger size kids’ mountain bike. The bike went missing in south Arbor Heights, near the Arroyos. If anyone has seen this bike or has information about it, please comment on this post. Much appreciated!”
(Image from SDOT camera)
9:29 PM: Another emergency response – this time for a reported stabbing at 35th/Roxbury. Police are looking for a suspect. No word yet on the circumstances or the victim’s condition.
9:33 PM: The victim is being taken to Station 37 to be transferred to am ambulance, which indicates non-life-threatening injuries.
9:50 PM: Photo added above was sent by Lisa. It shows the victim was being treated by the commercial building on the east side of 35th just north of Roxbury. No update on the search for the suspect, but the police-radio exchange indicated they knew who they were looking for, so this may not have been random.
ADDED 1:23 PM MONDAY: We asked police for more info: “Last night around 10:30 PM officers responded to a house at 35th/Roxbury. Report of a physical fight between two men who knew each other. At one point the 18 year old suspect stabbed the 19 year old victim in the back. Suspect was arrested, victim transported to hospital for treatment. Suspect later booked into KCJ. Detectives will handle follow up.”
7:42 PM: The suspect remains in King County Jail, held for investigation of assault.
10:23 PM: Though this ss NOT related to a helicopter some reported hearing over the Admiral area a bit earlier, the Guardian 1 helicopter is currently over Highland Park/Puget Ridge, helping police track a suspect who is reported to be wanted for eluding. (The helicopter’s track before this was in south King County, so the Admiral reports remain a mystery.)
10:30 PM: According to radio exchanges, this all started in Kent. The search has now moved on to Westwood, where police have converged on a reportedly related vehicle.
10:42 PM: Kent Police are reported to be on the way too, and a possible hit-run crash along the way on Puget Ridge is factoring into all this too.
11:02 PM: One clarification in the Guardian One crew’s post-departure tweet – they report the suspect “abandoned [the first] car in West Seattle and got into another car.”
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: We asked Kent PD for more details, and Cmdr. Robert Hollis replied:
Around 2200 hours on 05/20/2020, a on-duty Kent Officer noticed a red vehicle driving at a high rate of speed eastbound in the 10200 block of SE 240th St. The officer was able to catch up with the vehicle and when he activated his lights and siren, the suspect vehicle started driving away at a high rate of speed. Officers pursued the vehicle until speeds became too great and stopped pursuing the vehicle. Because King County Guardian One was up and following the vehicle, officers determined they could stop and locate the suspect at a later time. … Our officer did take the suspect into custody for Eluding.
(WSB photos)
That’s Dan Austin in the kitchen at his Morgan Junction restaurant Peel & Press. If you notice police vehicles outside the restaurant today/tonight, it’s not bad news this time – he’s serving free food to law-enforcement officers today, as National Police Week continues. That includes slices (not usually on the P&P menu) for officers on the go. His partner in giving to the law-enforcement community today is the Seattle Police Officers Guild:
On the left is Mike Solan, SPOG president, who visited Peel & Press this morning. SPOG is covering the cost of today’s free meals for officers (available until 10 tonight), which are in addition to the free meals P&P routinely provides to people in need. Austin tells WSB that today’s SPOG donation will help keep that program going, as well as helping cover the cost of repairs from the recent burglary at the restaurant.
P.S. SPOG also had another West Seattle stop today to help out – for the second Friday in a row, they hauled food to the West Seattle Food Bank, a half-ton from West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor).
Pre-pandemic, focus groups were a major means of feedback for SPD’s Micro-Community Policing Plans. This year, it’s happening online. The announcement is from Taylor Lowery, the Seattle University research analyst at the Southwest Precinct:
Seattle University is partnering with the Seattle Police Department to conduct ongoing research related to community crime concerns. Qualitative concerns allow SU researchers to collaborate with SPD leadership to improve the city’s community policing initiative.
As part of the Seattle Police Department’s Micro-Community Policing Plans, Seattle University’s Micro-Community Policing Plans Research Analysts invite those who live and/or work in Seattle to respond to focus group questions citywide in each of the city’s 58 micro-communities regarding community perceptions of crime, safety, and police legitimacy, as well as knowledge of and satisfaction with the MCPP. The focus group questions offer an opportunity to provide feedback to the Seattle Police Department on crime and public safety in Seattle, as a check-in between the administration of the Seattle Public Safety Survey every Fall. The questionnaire is accessible at https://seattleux.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56jtU5ZxV67i6vH from May through August 2020.
Information obtained from the focus group will help inform your neighborhood’s MCPP, so please come share your concerns and suggestions! Thank you in advance for taking the time to offer your perspective on crime and public safety in Seattle via the online focus group questions. Please feel free to email me directly any questions that you have regarding the focus group.
She’s at lowerytaylor (at) seattleu.edu.
Last night many people asked about a large police response outside the PCC West Seattle store at California/Stevens, coupled with an SFD medical response, in the 8 pm hour. We weren’t able to find out what was going on at the time, but we followed up today with SPD, and just got the info: “This was an arrest and use of force (tasing) after the suspect, pulled over for reckless driving, resisted arrest and assaulted officers. Officers were uninjured, but they did deploy a taser. SFD responded for that. Officers saw loaded handguns inside the vehicle and were able to recover them. The 36-year-old man was later booked into King County Jail.” Online records show the suspect is being released on personal recognizance but faces potential charges including assault, resisting arrest, and unlawful gun possession.
Two updates from the West Seattle Food Bank today: First, WSFB sent photos of a special event today:
The Seattle Police Officers’ Guild is doing “Food Bank Fridays.” This Friday they dropped off over 1,500 pounds of food to the West Seattle Food Bank.
City Councilmember Lisa Herbold volunteers there on Fridays, too – she’s at right in this photo:.
Tomorrow, it’s your turn to help – register today (free!) for the live online edition of Instruments of Change, the annual celebration of WSFB, which this year in turn is celebrating its merger with West Seattle Helpline. The live online event will start at 5:30 pm Saturday, on YouTube; the online auction has already begun.
3:15 PM: From Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner:
In an effort to decrease auto theft incidents, the SW Precinct once again has free steering wheel clubs to give away to our West Seattle and South Park residents!
We have 81 clubs at this time, and we will be giving them out on a first come, first serve basis.
You must email me to reserve your club- I am unfortunately not able to take requests via phone or social media! Please email me at Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov.
If you are selected to receive a free club- you will get a detailed email from me with instruction for when, where and how to pick up your club.
If you are not selected- you will receive an email from me with an apology and a link for where to purchase a club.
Please be understanding, as we have a limited amount to give away.
4:47 PM: All gone already!
(WSB photo from last month, mobile precinct @ Alki)
2:30 PM: Even before we get to the summery weather expected this weekend, Alki Avenue and Beach Drive have already drawn summer-size gatherings of drivers. We heard last weekend from several residents of those areas who had called police about illegal parking, reckless driving, and noise, among other things, with photos like this:
(Reader photo, last weekend)
The Southwest Precinct plans to have “additional police resources” at the beach this weekend; precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis explains:
We have revamped our existing traffic emphasis program to include using parking enforcement and other assets that will further assist us as we address the dangerous driving and noise issues. Taking in account of the approaching warmer weather, we are going to post extra patrol officers in our highest areas of interest. We are also attempting to secure designated “Police Only” parking zones so that our traffic enforcement, emphasis officers and our stationary Mobile Precinct will be able to occupy and secure our most popular areas before the car enthusiasts have a chance to take over and engage in poor and reckless behavior. We are sincerely hoping that our City Officials and other City agencies support us in this ask.
Precinct operations commander Lt. Steve Strand says they’ve been there before but, “Unfortunately we can’t be there all the time and under current conditions the crowd shows up unexpectedly during various days and nights. Sunday evening in particular.” He adds, “We will respond to 911 calls but this is a lower priority than most other calls for service if it is only noise and nuisance, versus public safety. We have done some outreach to neighbors on how to report crime effectively and accurately because we are not enforcing the Governor’s stay home, stay safe order. We are asking for voluntary compliance with social distancing and assisting parks with trespassers if they close.” They’ve been in direct contact with some of the residents to try to clarify how and what to report. If you see reckless driving, you can call 911 because that’s an immediate public-safety issue; if police can’t respond immediately, Lt. Strand says, you also can send info such as plate numbers to steven.strand@seattle.gov.
Meantime, we expect to hear more shortly about the city’s other plans for the weekend, in a news conference with the mayor and Parks/SDOT directors – separate story ahead.
3:04 PM: Two things that just emerged at that news conference are relevant to this, so we’ll note them here first: “Major parks” including Alki (also Lincoln Park and West Seattle Stadium) will be closing at 8 pm starting this Friday, until the stay-home order lifts. Also, SDOT plans to add Beach Drive between Alki Avenue and 63rd to the “Stay Healthy Streets” list – we’re seeking clarification about how soon that will start.
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
BURGLARY SUSPECT ARRESTED: Someone came home in the 9000 block of 24th SW Sunday afternoon and found signs someone was or had been inside, so they called 911. Police found a suspect asleep after apparently taking a break from ransacking to drink. SPD Blotter tells the story here.
VEHICLE PROWLED IN APARTMENT GARAGE: Nathaniel emailed to report his 4Runner was broken into in the public area of the garage at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW), “some time between the evening of 4/30 and the evening of 5/2.” A window was smashed and items were stolen from the trunk and back seat. He says others have been hit by vandalism/theft in the garage, too.
FROM THE DUMPED-AND-LIKELY-STOLEN FILE: Mike sent the photo and report:
I live above the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center and I found these tennis rackets ditched beneath the trees of our northern parking lot (by the stairs at Delridge and Genesee that lead up to Pigeon Point). They’re really nice, lightweight, and tightly strung. Maybe they were stolen from someone who was playing tennis at the park across the street. Anyway, I thought I’d send a picture and maybe someone will get their rackets back.
(Photo by Jim Spraker)
Welcome to Sunday! Again this week, our list of what’s happening starts with West Seattle churches’ online services
ADMIRAL UCC: The video service is here. Also – coffee hour via Zoom at 11:30 am.
ALKI UCC: 10 am online service, via Zoom – info and link on church’s home page.
ALL SOULS SEATTLE (WSB sponsor): Online worship will be linked here at 10 am.
ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here at 10 am.
BETHANY COMMUNITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am, 7 pm.
CALVARY CHAPEL: Service is viewable here, plus 11 am fellowship via Zoom, 6 pm all-church prayer and 7 pm evening worship (info on home page).
EASTRIDGE CHURCH: Livestreaming here at 9 am and 11 am.
FAUNTLEROY UCC: Livestreaming on the church’s YouTube channel at 10 am.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF WEST SEATTLE: Today’s online liturgy is here.
GRACE CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10:30 am.
HALLOWS CHURCH: Streaming at 10 am via the church’s YouTube channel.
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming in English at 8:30 am, en Español at 10 am, all here.
HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming at 9:30 am here.
HOPE LUTHERAN: Today’s worship service and children’s story are viewable here.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming at 10 am, both here.
PEACE LUTHERAN: Livestreaming at 10:30 am on YouTube.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Viewable on YouTube: All Ages Sunday School at 10 am, Morning Prayer at 10:15 am (here’s the bulletin), Kids’ Club at 11:30 am.
TIBBETTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (WSB sponsor): The video service for today will be viewable here.
TRINITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10 am.
WEST SEATTLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: The video service is viewable here.
WEST SEATTLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: Livestreaming here, 11 am.
WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN Livestreaming at 10 am on the church’s YouTube channel.
WESTSIDE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION: Livestreaming via Zoom, 10:30 am.
WESTWOOD CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: Online worship at 11 am; info here.
Any other churches to add? Please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Also today:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the first market in almost two months – but very different; read up before you go. See the list of expected vendors here. Enter at California/Alaska.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)
CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 2 pm, the advisory committee for West Seattle’s city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment is meeting via Zoom/phone, community members welcome.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85855234269?pwd=aG1yeDkzTWtmS0MyVENLUzRsYXNBQT09Meeting ID: 858 5523 4269
Password: 9701
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,85855234269#,,1#,9701# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 858 5523 4269
Password: 9701
FREE TO-GO DINNER: High Point Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near High Point Community Center. (6920 34th SW)
9:45 PM: If you’re noticing the law-enforcement helicopter Guardian One over the Highland Park Way hill, here’s what’s going on: Police are searching for a “felony warrant suspect” last seen near HP Way and West Marginal Way SW, and asked if the helicopter could help. We don’t know the suspect’s name, description, or warrant details.
10:04 PM: Suspect in custody. We’ll follow up tomorrow to see if we can find out who he is and what the warrant’s for. (added) Officers just told the helicopter crew it was a warrant for robbery.
11:39 PM: Guardian One has published video of the search and arrest:
Medics were called for the suspect after he was in custody, and the video appears to show why.
ADDED FRIDAY: The suspect is 41 years old and wanted in Kansas.
(Texted photo)
5:53 PM: A police search is under way in High Point, centered at 32nd and Juneau but stretching for blocks around. We don’t know yet what led to the search but they’re seeking a suspect who might be armed. More as we get it.
5:56 PM: Cross-referencing a case number heard in police-radio communication, the suspect they’re seeking might be linked to a robbery in the area a week and a half ago.
(Emailed photo)
6:17 PM: According to radio communication, the suspect is in custody. Police are calling SFD for medical assistance for a dog bite.
2:58 PM: Good thing automotive businesses are considered “essential.” One here just helped police catch a crime suspect. SPD Blotter just posted the story:
Police recovered three stolen vehicles on Monday after a suspected car thief tried to buy new tires with a forged check.
A West Seattle tire store contacted police after a 41-year-old man brought in a Mercedes and asked to replace some of its tires. He later returned and tried to pay with a clearly forged check, and then asked to apply for a line of credit even though he was unable to provide ID.
Employees at the tire shop became suspicious and contacted police and officers arrested the man Monday after he arrived at the shop to pick up the Mercedes. When officers took him into custody, he was carrying a license plate from another vehicle, which had apparently been stolen hours earlier but not yet been reported to police. At the time of the arrest, he was also wearing a jacket for a valet company, which had reported the Mercedes stolen.
During the investigation, police recovered several key fobs for other expensive cars, stolen checks taken in a recent burglary at a business, and ID cards belonging to other people, as well as modified keys typically used by auto thieves.
Police booked the 41-year-old man into the King County Jail for investigation of auto theft and are requesting charges related to the stolen license plate, possession of auto theft tools and providing a fake name to police. Major Crimes Unit detectives continue to investigate.
We’re following up to find out which shop, as well as the suspect’s status.
4:58 PM: The store was Les Schwab in The Triangle, according to the probable-cause document we have obtained. The suspect’s bail was set at $20,000 this afternoon. We’ll add more notes a bit later.
6:20 PM: The probable-cause document says the suspect “dropped off a blue 2020 Mercedes” at the shop last Thursday. He “returned several times over the course of the weekend and attempted to pay for services rendered to the vehicle using checks that either did not belong to him or were falsified (the business refused to accept these checks).” He “finally attempted to establish a line of credit through the business on 04/20/2020 but was unable to do so. At that time, the management at Les Schwab began to feel (he) was being suspicious and contacted SPD. In the process of reporting the incident to Dispatch, it was discovered that the Mercedes was a unverified stolen vehicle out of Seattle. At that time SPD officers responded to Les Schwab and management contacted (the suspect) to return to the store to pick up the vehicle.” He did, and was arrested. The report continues: “Inside the vehicle and upon search we located several shaved keys that are commonly used to steal vehicles.” The suspect gave various aliases, police say, but finally was identified; he has an extensive out-of-state record and was charged earlier this last year in another Seattle car-theft case – also involving a blue Mercedes.
| 10 COMMENTS