West Seattle Crime Watch: Morgan Junction bank robbery attempt

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Thanks again to our friends at Central District News for catching this on the scanner – we have just confirmed with SPD Media Unit Det. Jeff Kappel – there was an attempted bank robbery at the Chase branch in West Seattle Thriftway about 10 minutes ago. (That branch is usually open till 7 weekdays.) No word yet of a description. 6:37 PM: Police have detained someone in the parking lot – WSB’s Christopher Boffoli is talking with police at the scene and so far they still think the suspect is on the loose – he’s asking about a description. 6:49 PM: Police at the scene say so far, the only description information they have is that the would-be robber was female, African-American, wearing a stocking cap. 7:14 PM: A little more description info that Christopher got from police – “in her 20’s or 30’s with a white knit cap and a polar fleece jacket.”

Diane February 2, 2010 (7:37 pm)

holy crap; I was just in that bank at close to 6pm, cashed a check, walked out with cash in hand, thinking nothing of it, feeling very safe since it’s an inside a grocery store branch

Jim February 2, 2010 (8:21 pm)

What is going on with all of these bank robberies? I can’t i my life ever remember hearing of so many in such a short time. I realize that the economy is tough but stealing from a bank???? Do you really think you are going to get away with that???

OP February 2, 2010 (10:33 pm)

I was in the store with my 22-month old son when this happened, which post de facto scares the beejeezus out of me.
She’s brazen and ridiculously dumb to be robbing a store within a bank at that hour. Clearly not operating with a full deck.

let'sgocrazy February 3, 2010 (12:06 am)

Unbelievable – are times getting this hard? So glad you and your 22-month-old (I have one too and shop there often – was there last night) are okay!!!

Tolero February 3, 2010 (10:10 am)

Wow! I LOVE the staff there! I hope they are all ok! Cruddy that they tried anything there since most of the staff are men and the two women there are pretty aware of everything that goes on. They’ll have the person in no time!

LC February 3, 2010 (10:14 am)

I agree tolero. the staff there rock! despite the attempt i will still bank there! only wish that i was there to help them get this person. me and the mgr would have done some damage to the robber. feel like it’d be my duty since this is MY neighborhood!

SARGEMOM February 3, 2010 (4:29 pm)

I was just in that branch and it seems that the staff are back to their cheerful selves! They said that there have been some people say that they are afraid to go in there now. That’s RIDICULOUS! Let’s show our support WEST SEATTLE and and keep them busy! They looked bored! Tell your friends and if you don’t bank there this staff is great. Consider banking with them. Would hate to see that location close because of no business!

WSB February 3, 2010 (4:34 pm)

Oh, don’t worry, Sarge. People get over that sort of thing in a day or two. More than being afraid, seems like it’s a good idea to remember that this can happen anywhere, even in a store branch, so that you keep your eyes open in case you see anything suspicious (witness details given to police later can make a huge difference). I go to that branch at least once a week – the Saturday hours (9 am-4 pm) are pretty convenient too – TR

waman February 3, 2010 (4:39 pm)

Take your money out of large banks & move them to community banks!

WSB February 3, 2010 (4:45 pm)

We do business with a locally based credit union too. But germane to the point of the story, they also are held up. The last in-store branch stickup I recall was Alaska USA @ Westwood Village QFC last summer.

DolledUP February 4, 2010 (4:21 pm)

Really waman? This story has nothing to do with where your monies are held but you need to realize community banks are not immune to failure as they are collapsing faster than these corporate banks. **On a side note, the staff here were wamu employees and are very much sweethearts! I’m not slow and know how to balance my checkbook so I have no worries about fees and if I caused myself to get one they would work with me on it. Read the comments… looks like the consensus is that these individuals are very much liked so they’re doing something right!

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