West Seattle Crime Watch: Alki gunfire suspect update; school vandalism; pastries pilfered

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon. First, an update from the Alki gunfire incident we covered early Sunday:

(Sunday morning photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
If you missed our story – nobody was hurt, but police arrested a 26-year-old Central District man who they say fired at another man in the alley behind Cactus (they say the suspect was thrown out of Bamboo earlier). After getting a clear description of his vehicle, officers pulled him over shortly afterward, on Harbor Avenue near Salty’s. He’s been in jail since about 3:30 Sunday morning – no charges yet, but he’s listed as “bail denied,” and we’re checking with prosecutors on his status and will add any additional info here. 5:05 PM UPDATE: His bail was set this afternoon at $100,000; deadline for filing charges is Wednesday. The court documents say police found a shell casing as well as a bullet at the scene, both .45 caliber, as was the handgun found in the suspect’s possession.

Meantime, we received a reader report of vandalism at a school playground:

Thanks to Carrie for sending that photo from the playground at Lafayette Elementary, West Seattle’s most populous grade school. We’ve blurred the graffiti – which was a phrase suggesting drug use, rather than a “tag” – as per our usual policy. We checked with Lafayette and are told they’ve reported it to administration, as they’re required to, but that “spot painting” is likely in order too. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for graffiti vandals, since police say their best chance is to get a call so quick they can catch them in the act.

Last but not least:

Stopping by Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) late this morning, we remarked that the pastry case was so empty, it must have been a busy morning. No, the baristas informed us, the “pastry bandit” was to blame. Investigating further with Hotwire proprietor Lora Swift, we found out they’ve had their pastry/donut deliveries stolen three times in the past week or so, and a table was taken from the Hotwire patio too. Other businesses with doorstep deliveries, be forewarned.

15 Replies to "West Seattle Crime Watch: Alki gunfire suspect update; school vandalism; pastries pilfered"

  • Cstar March 26, 2012 (4:44 pm)

    That explains why Hotwire didn’t have a cookie to fulfill my sugar craving this afternoon. That biscotti was not going to do the trick. I hope the thief really needed a meal. Although one can not survive on pastries alone. Might I suggest the Food Bank…

  • Delivery March 26, 2012 (5:19 pm)

    We’ve stopped doing per-dawn delivery from Amazon Fresh due to theft in our neighborhood. But kudos to our UPS driver who brought a box today, and even though we were home (just in the back yard enjoying the sunshine and didn’t hear it), had the courtesy to drape my son’s discarded jacket over the top of the box in an attempt to conceal it. That was nice, and appreciated!

  • wsland March 26, 2012 (5:28 pm)

    who steals pastries? goodness gracious!

  • cjboffoli March 26, 2012 (5:57 pm)

    I think maybe someone needs to bake up a nice batch of Ex-Lax chocolate croissants and see how the thieves like that.

  • JanS March 26, 2012 (6:09 pm)

    I have stopped my delivery from Full Circle organic produce because of theft from my doorstep. It’s sad that we have to do that, but…it is what it is. I tried to put into my head that they must have needed it more than me…but..still..

  • JN March 26, 2012 (7:02 pm)

    Love Hotwire. Hate pastry thieves.

  • Ws March 26, 2012 (7:38 pm)

    Hot pastries! Time for a camera Hotwire.

  • Kassy March 26, 2012 (7:49 pm)

    Boo pastry thieves ! Heart Hotwire !

  • Jeanine March 26, 2012 (9:19 pm)

    I thought my Full Circle delivery was being stolen…until random neighbors, sometimes blocks away, would return it to me. Turns out it was an inept delivery driver – not thieves.

  • jissy March 26, 2012 (10:04 pm)

    I noticed 3 kids up on the roof of Lafayette yesterday when driving east on Lander to go to Hiawatha. Hmmm…..

  • DollarTreeNut March 26, 2012 (11:35 pm)

    You have to catch them literally in the act, otherwise if they keep their trap shut and dont tell on themselves, a charge cannot be made. Gunplay and graffiti, oh no, what has WS become?? *rolls eyes**

  • Errol March 27, 2012 (12:15 am)

    Hotwire is a family run business that really cares for their customers and employees. They know pretty much all their customers by name. They are very nice and definitely a good value as they don’t have to pay their ceo’s hundreds of millions of dollars a year. So if you think you are being a Robin Hood, you are wrong!

  • rawkergrrrl March 27, 2012 (1:30 am)

    We used to give our pastry delivery person a key so they could leave things inside.

  • gypsyhippie March 27, 2012 (7:37 am)

    That doughnut looks really good

  • furryfaces March 27, 2012 (4:03 pm)

    Hotwire Coffeehouse is our North Headquarters, because Lora, the Owner, always reaches out to non-profits and our great community.

    Stealing is never okay. Stealing from such a wonderful person is even more ‘not okay’.

    We ‘heart’ you Lora.

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