West Seattle Crime Watch: Strong-arm robbery/car theft

| Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

Got this report from a West Seattleite who wants to be anonymous:

I work in Westwood Village and was arriving for work when I was approached by a couple of individuals who threatened me, then took my wallet and my car. I’ve filed the proper police report but I was thinking that the more eyes that were out there looking the better chance I would have to get it back quickly. The car is a 2001 Chevy Impala lic #389-Yxx, the color is silver. I would guess it is somewhere in the Delridge/Westwood/White Center area.

We spoke to the victim by phone after reading that e-mail. He says it happened just after 4 am; he didn’t see a weapon, and wasn’t physically hurt. We will follow up this morning with police, who did report a rise in “strong-arm robberies” – this would qualify for that label, though we haven’t heard lately of one including a car – while updating crime trends at last week’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting (here’s our story). 4:12 PM UPDATE: Talked with police. No description to share at this point, but this is the first carjacking they’ve heard of in West Seattle in a long time, so it’s not – so far – part of a trend.

bummer January 29, 2010 (10:13 am)

I’m very sorry to hear that happened. I often worry about this area. There is a lot more going on here than we know but I don’t think they release it for fear that it will damage business. Good reminder to always be aware no matter what time of day it is. And those Impala’s are like the former police cars and are a hot item because they are fast and easy to work on.

Carrie P January 29, 2010 (10:32 am)

Any physical description of the individuals? Which part of Westwood Village?

Ken January 29, 2010 (12:58 pm)

A strong arm that includes a vehicle is called a car-jacking.

Jaf January 29, 2010 (1:01 pm)

It was at the north end near starbucks and the Thai place.

Joseph January 29, 2010 (1:46 pm)

I assume from the lack of description that the individuals were encased in a shimmering energy field that prevented any visual scrutiny whatsoever.

But seriously:

It’s OK to say “four asian males, three white females, two hispanic guys, eight elderly gentlemen, one obese scandinavian” or whatever. Providing a simple description of strong-arm thieves is not racist, and it’s helpful to those of us who like to keep their eyes open on late-night trips to WWV.

WSB January 29, 2010 (1:53 pm)

Yes, we know, and we long since have had that discussion here multiple times. However, I don’t have that information. Asked for it on followup, haven’t received it. And still awaiting a reply to inquiry with police regarding case status. If any of the forementioned parties provides anything, you’ll see it here – TR

Seriously? January 29, 2010 (3:44 pm)

“thats helpful to those of us who like to keep thier eyes open on late-night trips to WWV”

So should a race be associated with this particular incident, its safe to eliminate ANY OTHER person(s) due to a race associated with ONE incident, always be aware of your surroundings regardless of the race/sex time and or location in this most recent incident.

Joseph January 29, 2010 (4:34 pm)

Thanks for the follow-up, TR, and really, I’m one of the last people to generalize about crime and who’s doing it.

In this case, I was just asking for any additional info on an active group of thieves at this particular location at this particular moment.

There’s probably not a whole lot of them, right?

TJ January 29, 2010 (4:39 pm)

Seriously, some of us would like a description of the perpetrators in this particular area so we know who to look out for. Yes in general it could be anyone. But when it has happened it helps to have an idea of who might be watching this area.

dsa January 29, 2010 (5:37 pm)

It seems odd he is so willing to share the description of his stolen car, but not the thugs that took it.

anonymous January 29, 2010 (5:59 pm)

I share the vehicle description because I can give you enough to know it when you see it. I’m withholding the suspect information because I can’t do the same. Telling you their race alone doesn’t do anybody any good.

Liz January 31, 2010 (10:20 pm)

I am so glad you haven’t shared this information. It isn’t fair for miniorities/white people to be profiled. That should not matter. The fact is be aware of your surroundings. Get some mase and realize that this doesn’t happen “ALL THE TIME”. Remember our community and who we are and what we stand for. We are WEST SEATTLE. Let’s keep it that way.

John February 1, 2010 (4:17 pm)

(Anonymous and Liz)I’m not really sure why people feel it’s their place to protect the rest of us from “unfair profiling.” Just give us the best description you’ve got and let us make up our own minds about how to use the information.

When you deny me potentially useful information because you’re afraid I’ll overreact, you’re really just insulting my intelligence, treating me as a child. I don’t appreciate it.

Elizabeth February 1, 2010 (5:57 pm)

I have called the police. The car you described has been abandoned in front of our house. It is in good condition but appears to have been rifled through. You may want to call the police because I have reported this awhile ago and no one has come out yet. Good luck and sorry this happened to you.

Sorry, comment time is over.