Starting this afternoon’s West Seattle Crime Watch roundup – Byron was hit by Halloween-decorations theft:

We had a few strings of lights, a string of 8 legs, arms, feet and hands (good quality molded body parts), and a few skulls stolen from our yard on Hanford and 38th. Oh how sad.

STROLLER AND BIKE STOLEN: From Tim:

Someone took our toddler’s white and blue Strider bike and big orange stroller from our front porch last night. We’re in the 5200 block of 36th Ave SW. Don’t expect to see them again, but we did file an online report.

STROLLER FOUND: A stroller stolen earlier is one of the possibly stolen items found by another reader:

Thursday morning at around 6:15 AM while walking our dogs on 32nd Ave SW between Thistle and Elmgrove St. my friend and I found a discarded stroller and nice jacket. These items were thrown onto the sidewalk, leading us to believe they were possibly stolen and discarded? We would like to get them back to the owner (s). I am happy to arrange the return but would like for anyone claiming these items to please describe the jacket and the make of the stroller. I can be reached via this email address: turtle05071@aol.com

BIKE FOUND: Another item found – possibly stolen property – by Allison:

Last week I found a BMX bike on the side of my house. I live at 30th and Roxbury accross from Roxhill Elementary. I’m thinking the bike was stole and stashed on the side of house?

Thanks again for sharing your reports – go to the police first, but once you’ve done that, please let us know so your neighbors ALL around West Seattle can stay in touch with what’s happening. And be safe this Hallo-weekend! We work 24/7, so you can get breaking news to us any time – text or call 206-293-6302 – thanks!

The newest round of West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports – THANK YOU for sharing the information so your neighbors ALL around the peninsula know what’s going on – plus the latest prevention advice:

BURGLARY & CAR THEFT: Paige and her husband discovered early this morning that someone had broken into their house near 21st and Holden, stealing not only his wedding ring, but also the keys to his truck – which subseqently was stolen. Watch for a 2004 black Toyota TUndra with a crew cab and tonneau cover, license C71042B.

Three car prowl and theft reports from The Junction:

TRUCK BREAK-IN: From Jessica:

Just in case it happened to others, I wanted to report that we had a pick-up truck broken into on 41st Ave SW next to Jefferson Square last night and they look to have used a universal remote keyless entry tool as everything was taken but the car doors were found this morning with doors locked again, nothing broken, but everything inside taken including a phone, tools, insurance info and other paperwork in the cab of the truck. The car alarm when off when we opened the car this morning. If it happened to others maybe somebody has info we can use to track the suspect down.

CAR BREAK-IN, BALLET COSTUMES GONE: Milyssa says this happened last night “after ballet class”:

My family went out to dinner in the Junction, parking in the lot behind Bakery Nouveau. We were gone no more than 45 minutes, and I came back to a smashed front passenger window, and a missing work bag … all (it) contained was a Fire Department lunch bag, various tubes of Chap Stick, and two lovely ballet costumes that my daughters wore to dress-up day at dance class. And two pair of ballet shoes. Of course I have reported to police, and checked nearby dumpsters to see if they just dumped the bag after seeing the contents. No luck. So, this is a crappy reminder to me, and a gentle reminder to your readers to leave nothing visible in your car. And if any of you happen to find one of our ballet costumes, my girls would dance for joy!

PACKAGE THEFTS AND CAR-PROWL TRY: First Wendy e-mailed to say, “3 packages from Amazon (various shippers) were stolen from the front door on Monday, 10/26/15, in 4400 block of 44th Ave SW. (Report) filed with police.” Then she sent this followup: “And when I told my neighbors, I found out that one just had an attempted car break-in. Someone took a crowbar and damaged their door and skylight trying to get in.”

A series in the Alki area:

CAR BREAK-IN ATTEMPTS: Reported by Kate:

Monday, approx. 12:30 am, the 2400 block of 55th Ave was victim to numerous car prowl attempts. We have filed a report and handed over security camera footage to police. My vehicle was locked but prowlers were still able to get in without breaking a window. It is believed they used a radio-frequency device to unlock the car. They did not get anything of value so they moved on down the street looking in other vehicles. This is a team of thieves and move very efficiently, with one person walking while another drives a vehicle behind. Please don’t leave anything of value in your cars; let’s not give them motive to violate our property! It is also important to file a police report even if nothing was damaged or stolen. If you live on or near 2400 block of 55th SW and have any security footage of the time frame I mentioned, please contact authorities. We may be able to get more detail on thieves and their vehicle.

PREVENTION ADVICE in the newest newsletter from SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon (as previewed in our Tuesday report on the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting):

CAR PROWL PREVENTION

* When you exit or enter your parked vehicle, take a moment to look around the area.

* Turn off and lock your car whenever you have to walk away from it. This includes at gas pumps, ATMs, coffee shops, etc. Never leave your car idling and unattended.

* Leave No Valuables in Your Car. Items of little or no value to you still look inviting to a thief. Even pocket change is enough of an enticement for some thieves.

* If you must leave valuables in your car (say you’re out shopping and still have some stops to make), make sure that nothing of value is within plain view. Place items in your car trunk out of sight. Do this when you get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop.

* Don’t leave accessories visible in your car. You may have taken the Laptop or IPod in with you, but if you leave the USB cables for your laptop or earbuds for the IPod in the back seat, the offender may think those items are in the car and break in anyway.

* If you have a GPS, think about how it is mounted in your car. If the mounting for the GPS is visible, the thief may think the GPS is in the glove box or under the seat and may break in to try to get it. Have removable mounting for the GPS and put that out of sight as well.

We can speak to #5. And even though none of “the items” were in the car, the thief or thieves took the connector cord anyway. And yes, only a $2 loss, but we filed a report online – you can do that here, but we hope you never have to.

4:23 PM: As noted in our Monday coverage, today was the day by which the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office had to file charges against the suspect in Saturday’s double shooting, in order for him to remain in custody. We’ve just received word that charges are not being filed today, so the 25-year-old suspect will be released. This, according to KCPAO spokesperson Dan Donohoe, is “pending ongoing investigation. A decision regarding charges will be made at a later date.”

The shooting early Saturday at 23rd SW and SW Willow left a 24-year-old man dead and a 34-year-old man seriously wounded; the suspect was arrested at his home about half a mile away several hours later. Probable-cause documents made public in connection with the suspect’s bail hearing on Monday had said the man who died, his brother, and the suspect were embroiled in a years-long dispute over a $200 debt and had met at the scene early Saturday for what was maybe going to be some kind of fight – and then came the deadly gunfire.

LATE-NIGHT UPDATE: The King County Jail Register confirms that the release happened around 9:20 pm.

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

MAIL/PACKAGE THEFT: Ben reports: “Just a heads up, our mail and packages were stolen from our house between Trenton and Henderson on 34th SW (Monday night). Sucks.”

CAR BREAK-IN, AND … Also Monday night. Mary reports: “I wanted to let people know that our truck got broken into … It was in the alley between 30th and 29th near Trenton. Also, on Friday night someone left a white North Face jacket behind the truck that was broken into.”

ANOTHER CAR BREAK-IN: Sara says this too happened Monday night: “I live on the 4400 block of 49th Ave SW and my car was broken into while parked in the alleyway between Genesee and Oregon SW. They took 3 credit cards and some cash and then used the credit cards at Walgreens and Jack-In-The-Box but were declined at Fred Meyer.”

AND YET ANOTHER CAR BREAK-IN: Heather reports, “Just thought I’d share our car was prowled last weekend in front of our house in the 8800 block of 37th Avenue SW (between Trenton and Henderson). Unfortunately they made off with quite a lot because we had stuff in the trunk and a bunch of kids’ CDs in the car. It had been locked and there was no sign of forced entry (it’s an older Honda Civic…probably not too tough to open). Just thought I’d let people know to keep their eyes open.”

PREVENTING CAR PROWLS: Here’s the official SPD advice.

(WSB photos from Saturday morning)
3:15 PM: We’re just out of the jailhouse courtroom downtown, where the 25-year-old West Seattle man arrested hours after Saturday morning’s 23rd SW double shooting has just had a bail hearing. After multiple reports of gunfire, police say, they found two men in the street – a 24-year-old who was dead at the scene, and a 34-year-old man who survived, but with life-threatening injuries. After a short hearing, the judge set bail at $1 million; the defense argued for $100,000, noting that (as reported here Saturday) the suspect has no felony convictions; he is currently being prosecuted for a drunk-driving arrest. We don’t yet have the probable-cause documents, which are likely to have some information on what led police to arrest this man blocks away from the shooting scene; once we do, we’ll update this story.

3:29 PM: Moments after we published this, the probable-cause documents came in. They say the suspect and the victim who was killed were former friends who had been in a dispute for five years over a $200 debt. The victim, according to court documents, called his brother, who also is described as part of the debt dispute, to say the suspect “had, or was about to jump him” at the scene where the shooting later happened. The brother had been downtown but rushed to the scene, where he first saw the suspect’s car, a white Ford Crown Victoria (which was impounded at the arrest scene on Saturday morning):

The brother said it was thought that a fight was going to happen – instead, he told police, the suspect pulled out a gun and pointed it at him, so he ran, saying he then heard gunfire, and when he went back to the scene, officers were there, and the victim was lying in the street. The documents go on to say that police were familiar with the suspect and his car and knew that he lived in the 2600 block of SW Holden; they got a warrant to search the car and house. The car, found at the house, had gunshot damage. The court documents also say that while police were there, the suspect called, talked to his mother and to them, and said he would return to turn himself in, admitting he’d been involved in the shooting, and saying he had used a .40 caliber Glock handgun. Detectives say they found “several guns” in the house, including one of that type. Prosecutors have until Wednesday to file charges.

While recent days have brought major cases to West Seattle Crime Watch, the bulk of crimes in our area remain property crimes, and we have three reader reports to share tonight.

CAR PROWL: Rachel reports, “We are in the 8100 block of 24th Ave SW and our truck was broken into in our driveway. Non-damage, but they stole some men’s Ray-Ban sunglasses and our brand=new baby bag that had some clothes and diapers from our newborn. I know it’s a total long shot, but here is a picture of the bag in case anyone finds it. It was a gift and the best bag.”

ANOTHER CAR PROWL: Dale says, “Early Sunday morning, someone broke the side window of our small SUV. The alarm may have scared them off as nothing was taken. This is near 36th and Juneau. We’ve filed a report with the police.”

BURGLARY: From Kayla:

While I live slightly outside of West Seattle limits, I have friends who have seen the suspect vehicle all over Alaska Junction and want to get the word out.

My home (in the 10200 block of) 24th Ave SW was burglarized at 3:30 PM on Wednesday the 21st. My neighbor witnessed a white male, medium build, about 5’11”, in a metallic gold Toyota 4Runner parked in front of my home, which is sheltered and down a long driveway. He smashed my back door window to get in. Stole a safe with Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, checks, credit cards, and wills. There was also an extensive collection of foreign currency and a key to each of our cars. Outside the safe he stole my class ring- silver with a pink stone and a picture of crossed tennis rackets, and my school’s mascot, an Indian. It was from Sterling High School class of 2003. There was also a medium K-bar knife and a gold ring with purple stones. I would appreciate it being posted in case anyone finds my things.

NEXT CRIME-PREVENTION MEETING: Tuesday (October 27) is the last meeting of the year for the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network – you don’t have to be a BW captain (or in a BW at all) to attend; all are welcome. 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, 2300 SW Webster.

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

CAR-PROWL LOOT TO LOOK FOR: From Janet:

Someone broke into our car in the 6000 block on 42nd between Monday night and Tuesday morning and stole a GPS and 3 big bright blue bags containing ‘Begin with Books’ for kids that we had borrowed from the library. And a French 1 dvd, ‘Little Pim’ Eating and Drinking.

If anyone sees this, could they please return them to the library on our behalf? We were told that the thieves might just throw them in the bushes so we be in the lookout for them once they realize the bags had books in them.

MORE CAR PROWLS: From Barb:

3 of my neighbors have had their cars broken into at overnight in the last 4 weeks. 6900 block of 37th Ave SW. One of the cars was actually unlocked and the registration to the car was stolen. Another neighbor reported he found some of his missing items down the block. Seems like we have some bad mojo in Gatewood happening between the car prowls and the fires. Please let people know to be on the lookout for anything strange.

BREAK-IN: From Patricia:

Just want folks to know that there was a break-in (Monday) in North Admiral – during the day. Perpetrators barged through a chain ‘hold’ device on the door, and then broke the glass of an inside entry door with a hammer. Stole a bike, checkbook (later tried to cash a check at Bank of America in the main Junction), and also jewelry. Reported to police.

Finally, an **update**:

SFD AT TONIGHT’S CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL MEETING: Update from West Seattle Crime Prevention Council president Richard Miller about tonight’s meeting – Seattle Fire Engine 11’s crew has just been confirmed as the guest. Got a question about SFD? Come ask. And bring your neighborhood crime concerns for local SPD. 7 pm, Southwest Precinct, Webster/Delridge.

9:20 AM: We’re at King County Superior Court, where accused toddler killer Alicia Goemaat has just appeared for arraignment. In the brief hearing, she pleaded not guilty, and a date was set for her to return to court in two weeks; nothing else was said. As reported here two weeks ago, she is charged with second-degree murder for kicking her boyfriend’s 17-month-old son Drue Lehto (family photo at left) so hard, he suffered fatal internal injuries. He died at the Morgan Junction apartment where Goemaat had lived for about half a year with Drue’s father and with her own son, a few months older than Drue. Goemaat remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail.

ADDED 10:28 AM: At right, we’ve added our courtroom photo of Goemaat, who is 20 years old, from this morning’s hearing. She was arrested at the apartment on October 1st, four days after Drue was found dead in his crib; court documents say she confessed to placing him there after kicking him twice, the first time so hard that he was knocked down, because, she said, she was mad that he and her son were fighting over a toy. Her next court appearance is set for November 3rd. This is the first West Seattle murder case in more than a year and a half.

4:31 PM: With two-plus weeks until Halloween, vandals went on an early rampage:

(Photo courtesy Nicole)
We’ve received multiple reports today of vandalism including pumpkins taken from doorsteps and yards and smashed in the street, and decorations (such as the headless skeleton, above) stolen and dumped, along streets both east and west of California, from at least 42nd SW to 49th SW, between roughly Hinds and Genesee. The skeleton, we’re told, has been claimed, but a few more items are still waiting to be found by their owners – Lara sent these photos of a metal pumpkin and Seahawks wreath that turned up on her block, near 42nd and Charlestown:

If you’re missing something, let us know so we can add it.

ADDED 5:44 PM: The photo and report are from Stephanie:

I wanted to add a photo to your article in regards to vandalism that occurred on Genesee Hill last night. Looks like they snatched a stroller to use for pumpkin transportation. There is a pumpkin stem in the seat. Hopefully someone will recognize this Bob stroller abandoned mid block on the west side of the street on 45th between Andover and Dakota. It is a faded lavender color.

FRIDAY P.S. Don’t miss the comments – in which the culprits are reported to have apologized.

One brief West Seattle Crime Watch reader report … we’ve heard from another recent burglary victim. Sorayah in Morgan Junction reports, “My roommate and I had our house burglarized (Tuesday). They came in through our living room window, completely trashed the place, and stole a bunch of items. We live on the 6500 block of 42nd Ave SW.”

Just got the photo via text from Aaron:

My “new” 1986 Toyota pickup I just bought and restored was just stolen from in front of my house at 44th and Dakota. License #C09191E.

If you see it – call 911 and refer to incident # 15-359078.

In West Seattle Crime Watch today – another burglary report:

I’d like to get the word out that my home on Fairmount Ave SW was burglarized yesterday during the daytime while my roommates were at work. I arrived home from a trip to see they broke a window in the kitchen & had stolen items from each of my roommates.

David says his house is toward the water end of Fairmount Ave. With reports of three other burglaries in recent days, we took the occasion today to check the SPD Police Report map, sorted for burglary reports, showing nine:

You can sort the map by crime type via controls on its left side (click the image above to go to the live map, where you can also see the locations of these and other crimes, plus time/date reported, by clicking each icon). But as we’ve noted in the past, the map has some omissions – for example, it’s not showing the business break-in in the 3400 block of California SW that was part of our coverage on Saturday. It’s not caught up with yesterday yet, so David’s break-in isn’t shown. And from Tweets by Beat (you can see the West Seattle sectors’ tweets any time on the WSB Crime Watch page), we also have these four:

-Reported this morning, 3200 block SW Morgan
-Reported last night, 9600 block 47th SW
-Reported Monday afternoon, 4400 block 42nd SW
-Reported Monday morning, 2nd SW/SW Michigan

So, by our compilation, that’s 15 burglaries reported in the past week, up from where things were trending at the last West Seattle-wide briefing.