Junction holdup update: Adult suspect is out of jail

An update on the weekend holdup involving the owner of Yummy Teriyaki getting held up at knifepoint and robbed of the night’s take (here’s our Sunday report): The adult suspect in the case — who turned 18 in July — is out of jail; his bail was set at $25,000 at a hearing yesterday, and he posted bond hours later. (Thanks to Gatewood crimefighter “burglarbustindad” for the tip, as he continues to watch the King County Jail Register even more closely than we do.) We are not using the suspect’s name until he is formally charged (tomorrow is the deadline for that); he does not appear to have a significant past record. The status of the three other suspects – two 16-year-old boys and one 17-year-old is not known because juvenile records are not available online; next step is for charges to be filed. The paperwork we obtained from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reveals a few more details in the case – the victim was accosted as he walked southbound on 42nd SW, where his car was parked in the 4800 block (that would be south of Edmunds); police recovered more than $500 in cash when they arrested the four suspects in the 7100 block of 32nd SW, along with cards belonging to the victim and a “small pocket knife.” A comment in previous coverage asked if the suspects were from West Seattle; only one (not the adult) has a WS address, and it’s about half a mile north of the arrest location.

37Ray October 6, 2009 (3:12 pm)

I’ve been commenting for some time that (just my seat of pant laymans opinion judging from various factors) I’m willing to bet “most” of the petty crooks that strike in West Seattle do not actually live in West Seattle. I have anecdotally heard tell that some of the fake solicitors etc come in from as far away as Olympia/Lakewood or Everett/SnoCo… This one is particularly upsetting due to the more violent/threatening nature of it, as opposed to “just” (I know) the “regular” property thefts, vandalism, etc. I do want to say a thank you to SPD for their recent step-up in patrols around here though… now if we could just figure out how to actually keep them in jail longer than a few hours or couple days, we’d really be onto something… just my 2c

I. Ponder October 6, 2009 (3:39 pm)

It is so unfortunate that this happens to small business-owners. I was in Yummy Teriyaki once when a meth-head, a woman, snatched the tip jar and ran out the back door. I didn’t see it happen, but was in the restaurant. The owner ran out after her and had a tooth knocked out in an altercation with the thief’s boyfriend, waiting in the getaway car.

How frightening and unfair to the families of these shopkeepers.

canele October 6, 2009 (3:48 pm)

Thanks for the update. I’m glad that the owner of Yummy Teriyaki was not harmed, and disappointed that the adult suspect is already out on bail. What can we do to help the Junction area be safer? More SPD patrols would help. Any other ideas?

burglarbustindad October 6, 2009 (4:02 pm)

UNBELIEVABLE
Age should not matter here. An armed robber, caught red handed let out of jail! This sounds like an enabling parent has posted bail and not let this guy “face the music”. I am reminded of the Camano Island thief, who’s mother reports that she is proud that her son learned to first steal and then fly an airplane!

Jiggers October 6, 2009 (5:23 pm)

With new news that over 6,000 people in this state will run out of jobless benefits unless another extension is given, there will be more and more thefts and robbery’s to just survive and eat day to day. It’s not right, but that’s the way it is.

j October 6, 2009 (5:24 pm)

The owner of Yummi is such a nice man. This entire situation just pisses me off.

Jose October 6, 2009 (6:07 pm)

There is something seriously wrong with our judicial system.
These guys were caught practically red-handed and they can bond out BEFORE they’re even charged?!

Silly Goose October 6, 2009 (6:55 pm)

Holy Cow, we had just been in there eating dinner and left. The owner is so so nice he treats us like royalty when ever we eat there. I am glad they caught this guy.
As for the question posed from canele “what can we do to make the junction a safer place” Well we need to let the law makers in Olympia know that our punishment does not meet todays’s violent crime and they need to be changed to keep these guys locked up for longer periods of time.

ourturn? October 6, 2009 (7:59 pm)

You know, these situations make me think more and more about people taking justice into their own hands. I am not saying it is wrong or right, but maybe if we just start kicking the crap out of people who steal, they will be more inclined not to. I would be more afraid of a butt-kicking than being booked in jail, released from jail, and so on and so forth. It is much harder to steal with a broken arm (I haven’t tried it, I am assuming here).
Should there be some sort of protection citizens who protect their property on their own, even if they physically assault the culprit? Would that be easier than trying to change policy? Or would vigilante justice lead to more violence? I think a lot of people have thought about this recently, especially given the amount of car theft/burglary in our neighborhoods.

37Ray October 7, 2009 (6:11 pm)

I would consider a “moderate” tone (as opposed to any extreme) best. Meaning, DO rely on the police in ALWAYS calling 911 as soon as able in any emergency (there is a chance there could be an officer already near, and if not, or they cannot come any time soon, they can still track the stats, which does work, to an extent, in getting stepped up patrols of your area “later”), however DO NOT simply rely blindly on the notion that they can or will always be able to be there the instant something is happening “to you”. Take personal responsibility for yourself in that regard. Exercize situational awareness at ALL times, pay attention to what is happening and maintain your cool best you can, and at the very very least take some kind of simple, practical basic self defense classes or training, so that you are able to adequately defend yourself at least if that were to ever be necessary. Smart move #1 is get out of the situation (property can be replaced, you can’t), smart move #2 is if you can’t do #1 you had better be prepared to hold your own til the police do arrive. I am a big advocate of self defense training for anyone/everyone. It does not have to be “hai karate” or the “crane technique”, even if you never throw a punch it can simply help your level of confidence in any emergency situation tremendously. If you do ever get backed into a corner though just having a few simple self defense basics in your bag really could save you one day.