UPDATE: Rescue response off Harbor Island = search for suspect

(Screengrab from SDOT traffic camera, showing some SFD units)

11:02 AM: Land and water crews have been on a “water rescue response” from the south end of Harbor Island this past hour. According to Seattle Police, a “possible theft suspect fell or jumped” into the Duwamish River. They say the person is now in custody and being taken to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation. We don’t yet know what preceded this but we’ll add anything more we find out.

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

11:49 AM: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli spoke with police at the scene. He reports that they told him: An owner at the nearby marina encountered a suspected burglar and called police. At first, the suspect was cooperative, police were told, but then the suspect asked the owner for a cigarette (presumably as a distraction) and then pepper-sprayed the owner. When the police arrived, the suspect jumped into the water and hid under one of the floating structures and refused to come out. SFD was called out and they had to cut a hole in one of the floating docks to gain access to the suspect, about 30 years old and taken to the hospital with possible hypothermia.

1:03 PM: The SPD Blotter update on this adds two details: the suspect allegedly was trying to break into a boathouse, and had a kayak, which police seized.

Kim March 22, 2017 (12:27 pm)

I don’t find it funny to think of all the resources it took to apprehend the suspect, but it IS funny to ponder their logic in escaping to the water. How did they imagine that would end?

unknown March 22, 2017 (12:34 pm)

Are you kidding, me the suspect had pepper spray and used it on the person he was robbing?!

North of Admiral March 22, 2017 (1:15 pm)

To quote Ron White – “You can’t fix stupid”.

Too bad they had to cut a hole in the floating dock, but I suppose you can’t just leave the suspect floating in the frigid water.

JanS March 22, 2017 (1:27 pm)

North of Admiral…well, you could, but…it would sorta be illegal ;-)
KT March 22, 2017 (1:37 pm)

Nope, leave him.
- TreeHouse March 22, 2017 (6:31 pm)
  
  ….so the stupid 30 year old should die for robbing a boat house KT?
  - Swede7 March 22, 2017 (8:31 pm)
    
    Yes.

Alki Resident March 22, 2017 (1:40 pm)

I was hopeing for a better ending.

wetone March 22, 2017 (2:51 pm)

There has been many issues lately with theft at the Marina and along Duwamish waterway corridor over the last few months. Most of it happening at night, evidently the losers are getting more bold as they fear few repercussions in this city.

Duwamesque March 22, 2017 (3:15 pm)

No way dodging a burglary charge is worth a dip in freezing cold, super-fund sludge-water. But the bigger mystery is why, if he already stole a kayak, didn’t he just paddle away? Only about 90 miles to international waters. Or paddle up to the headwaters of the river and disappear into the vast wilderness of Mt. Rainier. Where’s D.B. Cooper when you need him??

anonymous March 22, 2017 (9:33 pm)

I’d think it’s illegal to force him to stay in the water, but abandoning pursuit and leaving, he can get out, he’ll just be miserable. Cheaper punishment than trial and jail. Navy guys get ditched in the pacific for hours on end, a swim in the Duwamish wouldn’t kill this guy.

Sorry, comment time is over.