West Seattle Crime Watch: Car break-in; suspicious person

Two reader reports this morning – one, a car break-in; second, an uncomfortable encounter with someone the reader says seemed “shady” – both ahead:

First, the car break-in, from Lynn:

There was another car prowl (early Tuesday) at 12:35 at 41st Ave SW and Holgate (map). Our driver’s side car window was shattered but nothing was taken. There was nothing in the car to take.

Our car alarm went off and by the time we got out there to turn it off the creeps had left. We did hear their car leave and it sounded like one of those souped up little cars with the loud muffler.

We filed a police report online per the instructions we received from the 911 operator.

Though (later Tuesday) morning a kindly lady drove up and handed me the owners manual, which she had found on her morning walk some 5 blocks from our house.

Second, a reader who doesn’t want to be identified suggests people should be on the lookout for this man:

We wanted to report a shady man who’s been hanging out in his car on 28th Ave SW and 30th Ave SW. [Near SW Nevada – map] On Sunday 9/11 around 9:10 pm a black male was sitting in his dark, late model Acura along 28th Ave SW. I was out walking my dog and as I passed his car he immediately got out of the driver’s seat and stood next to the car and stared at me in an uncomfortable way. He then began following me once I passed his car, He followed me for a short while until my dog began barking at him and he stopped, claimed to have “battery trouble” with his car.

Today, 9/13 I saw him in the same spot again, sleeping in his car. I was able to note his license plate: 836 *** My roommate drove by awhile later and saw him still there and asked him if he lived nearby and what his business was in the neighborhood. He responded with “It’s America, I can do what I want – don’t harass me or I will harass you.” She said he was a bald black male with a goatee probably in his early to mid thirties. Greasy bald head and tall and broad. Creepy presence and uneasiness about him. After the confrontation he drove away but was later seen just blocks away on 30th Ave SW parked in front of a brown apartment building. Just a warning to people walking at night in the area, especially women alone, he is creepy and seems scary so beware. We called Seattle Police but they weren’t much help. If you see him or his car please blog it so we know if any others encounter him Thank you!

Another reminder – the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council resumes its monthly meetings next week, Tuesday, September 20th, 7 pm, at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), with the usual crime-trend reports as well as a special guest talking about identity theft.

49 Replies to "West Seattle Crime Watch: Car break-in; suspicious person"

  • Klause September 14, 2011 (7:35 am)

    Cross Streets? 28th Ave SW and 30th Ave SW is very vague since both of these streets span a few miles from the Northend of West Seattle all the way South to Shorewood.

    • WSB September 14, 2011 (7:43 am)

      Sorry, it was in the e-mail subject line but not the body, which I didn’t catch till you mentioned it. SW Nevada. Will add – TR

  • Kelli September 14, 2011 (7:44 am)

    What is the cross street on 28th & 30th you saw this creep?

  • mike skills September 14, 2011 (7:49 am)

    He has a point it is america. Just because hes black and sittin in his car doesnt make him a shady person.

  • breanna43 September 14, 2011 (8:05 am)

    I agree Mike. And asking him what business he has in the neighborhood is quite offensive. I don’t see what part of his behavior was shady. Perhaps the lens the observer was seeing it through. I actually like the story because of his response!

  • Kelli September 14, 2011 (8:09 am)

    But if he was near schools wouldn’t you question what he was doing and why he was there?

  • helridge September 14, 2011 (8:12 am)

    But he got out and followed the lady for a bit, at least that’s what she’s reporting. I say have the police check him out, could be some guy looking for victims for a prostitution ring, it is a reality.

  • 4thGenWestSide September 14, 2011 (8:13 am)

    Mike- Good point. BUT, If he gets out of his car, follows you, gets back in and drives away, doesn’t sound like he has battery trouble. Sounds like he is trouble.

  • Been There September 14, 2011 (8:17 am)

    Stay on it. Hanging out in that specific area is cause for attention.

  • Jennifer September 14, 2011 (8:28 am)

    Yes this is America but I think it had more to do with the uncomfortable way he was looking at her and him getting out of his car and then following her than it did what race he was. There are a lot of homeless people who sleep in their cars but most don’t act this way towards other people. They just want to be left alone. This guy sounds scary to me and I would have called the police no matter what race he was. As a woman when someone starts to follow you or look aggressively at you, you take action. Better to be wrong then dead. Also as a block watch captain I would be suspicious of anyone of any race in a car for hours who didn’t live on my block. These days you just never know what people are up too. It could be innocent or they could be casing the neighborhood.

  • McGruff September 14, 2011 (8:32 am)

    Always take photos of these “creepy” or “suspicious” people. Just do it – then you have a positive ID for police if anything should happen. People also will move on once they realize there is photo evidence that places them there. Trust me it works.

    Help take a bite outa crime. [crunch].

  • Rachel September 14, 2011 (8:32 am)

    Yes, this is America and people have a right to be out in a public street if they want to be, but what I got from this story is that the woman walking her dog felt unsafe and wanted to alert others of a possible dangerous situation. I have found that more times than not, my “gut feelings” have been right on.

  • neighbor September 14, 2011 (8:32 am)

    Same story in our nearby neighborhood – 32nd & Genesee – he’s been living in his car, has threatened homeowners – the police have been called twice in the last week – 4 police cars have come each time – apparently the police know him already. It doesn’t matter what his ethnic origin is, I think it was purely mentioned for identification. A surveillance video of him was emailed to our neighborhood. Just be aware and be safe when you are out and about. BTW, 28th and Nevada is a Seattle Schools Bus Stop location.

  • samson September 14, 2011 (8:34 am)

    Mike – u have point but what IF he gets out of his car and wants to harm her..even though she has the rights to call the police for strange behaviour… That could be a stupid action to do!! Battery trouble is bull(bleep) as he just moved his car to different spot… What does that Behavior tell you? Same shady guy is there in two different days… Come in!!

    Lady!! Better carry a flashlight as your weapon!!!

  • NA September 14, 2011 (8:35 am)

    Mike- think whatever you want, but if your girlfriend/wife (if you have one) experienced what happened to me on Sunday night you would want to kick his ass. He was WAITING in his car…when I approached he got out and starred me down for what felt like hours. He preceeded to FOLLOW me until my dog freaked out (thank God I had her). What sounds normal about this situation at all? And he just so “happen” to park in front of a wooded area? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but gut instincts don’t lie. This guy has some sort of motive and I refuse to let myself or anyone be a victim. I’m going to the police today to have his plate ran.

  • GBH September 14, 2011 (8:45 am)

    Not surprised the police were not much help. Unless you are a major corporation or wealthy they will be of know use. They were probably bummed that they had to get up off their butts and leave Starbucks in Westwood Village.

  • Daniel N September 14, 2011 (8:46 am)

    I agree with Mike. There is underlying tone of classism and, yes, racism here that actually made me more uneasy than anything the guy in the car said or did. Give it some thought, folks. The police were notified and that’s fine and if the police found grounds for real concern here, surely they would have reacted differently. This is America, and happily it’s still not a crime to be poor, homeless or down on one’s luck. We should be wary, always, but also avoid inappropriate conclusions based mostly on how someone looks.

  • monroe1200 September 14, 2011 (8:49 am)

    skills – I think what makes him seem shady is that he is following people and staring them down as they walk by, and than telling people he will harrass them for asking legit questions. Just my 2 cents for the day.

  • Good for you September 14, 2011 (8:55 am)

    I agree, follow your gut feelings. Too many people ignore them and later regret it. If it’s someone just sitting in their car, no big deal, but if they get out and watch you or worse, follow you, then you have to wonder what their motive is. And to get in and drive away if they have “battery” problems doesn’t jive, nor does moving just a bit down the street and then again moving to another location when confronted. I know my Block Watch says to report suspicious people and in my book, this guy would qualify (I would also get his plate and take a photo of the car if the opportunity safely presented itself). As a woman you have a different perspective than a man might if walking alone and you can’t be too safe. Luckily your dog scared him away, but what if you didn’t have your dog and were walking by yourself? Thank goodness this had a good ending and hopefully if he is up to no good he will feel unwelcome enough that everyone else who encounters him also has a good ending as well. As someone else who goes walking my dog at night, I appreciate the heads-up. Please be safe and thank you for being alert and for letting everyone know about this encounter.

  • ketchup September 14, 2011 (9:02 am)

    Good NA, thank you. There are school bus stops over there as another poster mentioned. It’s very frightening and I’m sorry this happened to you but your following up on this is very important to this community. Thanks again.

    • WSB September 14, 2011 (9:11 am)

      For context’s sake: We have covered a few crime-prevention presentations in our day and police advise doing exactly what the anonymous WSB’er did – even if it is the middle of the day – if you see someone in your neighborhood that you haven’t seen before, engage them in conversation, even asking point-blank, what are you here for, who are you looking for, etc. No one knows your neighborhood better than you do. (If I can find the exact story link where this most recently came up, probably at West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, I’ll add it to this comment.) – TR

  • Kayleigh September 14, 2011 (9:14 am)

    Never, ever ask a woman to doubt her intuition about her own safety. My intuition has saved my butt more than once.

  • Meg September 14, 2011 (9:20 am)

    I think that guy was in our neighborhood (49th Ave SW near Schmitz Park Elementary) about a month ago. Sounds like his description and his car. He parked in my elderly neighbor’s parking strip and then walked down the sidewalk to lean against a car that was parked in the street in front of our house. He stood there, arms folded across his chest and leaning on the car, staring angrily at our house. My husband was in our driveway at the time, getting stuff out of our car. He looked up and waved at the guy saying “Hi, how’s it going?” The guy said, “I’m in trouble, man.” My husband was puzzled, said “What’s wrong?” and began walking towards the guy, who became very agitated and shouted, “Stay away! You’re gonna get hurt, my life is in danger.” My husband quickly came inside to call 911. The guy walked down the street at this point, and I ran over to my neighbor’s house to see if she was okay. When the guy saw me, he was across the street & gave me the finger, cursing me loudly with “F— you!” over and over. He turned and walked briskly towards me, but I kept heading toward my neighbor’s door. Then he turned abruptly, went to his car, and left…well, not before first stalling out his car in the middle of the road, LOL. Police came by later and listened to some details, but they didn’t do much. I think this person is mentally ill.

  • KB September 14, 2011 (9:47 am)

    I can speak from my recent experience that he is verbally abusive and very threatening. I had occasion to have this man run up to my car as I parked it, and scream at me about something I’d just done (have not a clue what he was saying), got in my face in the car, asked me where I live, and if I new knew his living circumstances. None of that is OK with me in our neighborhood. Race was only for identity, as the police asked. The police suggested I tell ALL the neighbors about him and to call if he’s seen again.

  • NA September 14, 2011 (10:24 am)

    Saying he was a black male was merely a description. As the author I will assure you there’s no racism here or behind this post. I don’t care what color or race he is. There’s no need for him to follow anyone after dark in the manner in which he did – he’s scary and creepy and I don’t want ANYONE getting hurt. Something else that we think may be related… there was a man yelling very loudly nearby SW Nevada and 28th Ave SW last Friday night saying “I f*cking hate everyone!!” over and over again. We aren’t sure if this is the same guy, but seeing some of the last couple posts perhaps it is. I’m glad I posted because it sounds like others have also seen him nearby and are nervous of him. Be proactive and be safe, always!!

  • drb September 14, 2011 (10:51 am)

    I’m not sure why the police can’t do something about this as he is disturbing the peace and maybe needs psychological help. Sounds like he is actually threatening people. Isn’t that a reason for the police to at least try to talk to him?

  • Neighbor September 14, 2011 (11:28 am)

    It sounds like he needs a follow-up with mental health services. He’s aggressive, and unstable. We do not need another South Park tragedy. I for one would like to know what SPD thinks.
    Ladies follow your instincts.

  • JenF September 14, 2011 (12:09 pm)

    Let’s hear it for the dog! Dogs can smell crazy, and this dog obviously sensed this guy was a threat to her companion. I hope she got a big treat.

  • Jim P September 14, 2011 (12:14 pm)

    “I agree Mike. And asking him what business he has in the neighborhood is quite offensive”

    Nonsense, it is a perfectly legitimate question when you see a stranger lounging around to no apparent purpose. It is called “loitering”.

    An alert neighborhood is a safer neighborhood.

    Merely being black or Hispanic does not exempt one from the normal rules of behavior and accountability. If someone lounging around, leaning on their car is an uncommon thing, than a polite query is not out of line.

    The smarter crooks and derelicts figure out when a neighborhood is alert and watchful and move on.

  • rico September 14, 2011 (12:39 pm)

    Yeah Mike, where is your home? we will make sure he hangs out there next.Jeez

  • NA September 14, 2011 (12:51 pm)

    JenF..yes she got a BIG treat and TONS of hugs from her mama. She truly was my hero that evening!! The way he looked and followed me made me think nothing other then being a victim of sexual assault. I survived Sunday so now I just want to pass around as much awareness as possible!! I called the non-emergency police line last night, and the woman I spoke to was worthless. She made me feel like my safety and wellbeing didn’t matter. I am taking things into my own actions and meeting with the police this afternoon. I demand results..I’m tired of waking up and going to bed in fear. I will keep you all updated once the meeting is completed.

  • Jiggers September 14, 2011 (5:03 pm)

    Why don’t they get a job instead of stealing vehicles? There are plenty of jobs if you look.

  • GBH September 14, 2011 (5:22 pm)

    I mean no use.

  • eileen September 14, 2011 (5:30 pm)

    The pposter did not mention the make, model and color of the car?

  • Mel September 14, 2011 (6:25 pm)

    This is much worse than the “door to door” reports we see here – there was actual threatening behavior. Can’t believe there are people preaching some kind of “acceptance” for someone who gets out of his car to follow a lone woman!

  • Adam September 14, 2011 (11:13 pm)

    Reading this thread feels like watching a ticking bomb… Stay safe, everyone. Remember that Washington State has reasonable self-defense laws and a concealed pistol licence is only $55.25 away, if you’re not an ex-felon.

  • Enid September 15, 2011 (6:37 am)

    His BEHAVIOR is unquestionably suspicious and menacing, regardless of his color. And no, we are not free to do “anything” we want in America. Making inquiries of someone who is behaving strangely in one’s neighborhood is the mark of a good neighbor, not a racist thug. It makes no sense to defend the right to act in a threatening manner while simultaneously denying others the right to free speech. Turning this into a racial issue is ridiculous.

  • Shannon September 15, 2011 (6:54 am)

    So creepy! I am often walking alone and with my husband through Dragon Fly park and along that small stretch of the Longfellow Creek Trail where the fish bone bridge is and under the one lane Nevada St. bridge… This does not make me feel safe.

  • Marcia September 15, 2011 (8:08 am)

    If you’re a female, you shouldn’t be walking that late in the dark, ever with your dog, or even if you’re a male. signed, concerned!

  • sophie September 15, 2011 (8:56 am)

    For those of you claiming this alert is more about racism than a safety alert, what race is the woman reporting this incident?
    With all the violence lately in West Seattle, this woman did the right thing by going to the police AND posting this alert. As a community we need to look out for eachother.

  • NA September 15, 2011 (8:57 am)

    So I met with the police yesterday. They are VERY familiar with this male. He seems to be a mentally ill man. They recommended to stay away from him, do not confront him or make him feel threatened. We need to spread the word around the community as he does relocate. He has found comfort in my neighborhood for the time being, but he has been seen in many others. There have been several calls made on him; he is not out to break into someone’s house or car, he has the mindset that the world hates him apparently so his motive is to harrass people and make them VERY uncomfortable. Please, if you see him or recongnize any uncalled behavior, call the police. The more people that come forward with legit evidence, the more likely we are to get him out of West Seattle. Be safe, always trust your gut instinct. And by the way he drives a dark blue or black Acura Integra that has some stickers on the back. It is a late model, early 90’s is my guess. He parks along side the road.

  • Lynn September 15, 2011 (9:06 am)

    Our son’s piece of poop car was broken into last night. Passenger window smashed. 40th SW between Bradford and Andover.

  • Anybody206 September 15, 2011 (11:41 am)

    Jiggers, because some People think they are too good to get a second class type ‘job’. They can’t handle real labored work, customer service bull crap or putting up with the woes of corporate shackles for a small pay. They are lazy And dont want to play by the rules of some 9 to 5 so they decide not to contribute to society. Standing around outside a car all dAy torementing people sounds much more appealing. Casing houses and stealing cars sounds like a get rich quick dream sequence to these f***ers. These losers didn’t go to school and dont wanna deal with the jobs that come with not going to school. How inmature. Time to grow the hell up. I didn’t go to school and ive been a cashier for years. Do I like putting up With being treated like everyones slave? No. But I deal with it to pay the bills. And I’m only 21.

  • Formerwest Seattlite September 16, 2011 (7:12 am)

    As a black person who once (sort of) lived in the West Seattle Area, let me tell you he was a LOT nicer than I would have been if some one stopped to ask me “do I live here and what business do I have here”. What is this, 1960 Jackson Mississippi? Just because the guy is black, its obvious he was up to no good? Do all black people ‘scare’ or ‘creep’ the author out?

    This is the exact kind of “I dont hate anyone, I just think blacks are nefarious” type of racism is why I didnt bother seeking to live in West Seattle. The closer you get to the waterfront, the more intolerant and outright classless people tend to be. 3 Black people walking down the street…they must be up to no good! Black guy in old beater car…dangerous! Black guy in new BMW…car thief!

    Its sad. West Seattle didnt used to be like this. All the recent migrants from CA, the south and the inner midwest are changing the ‘diverse, live and let live’ attitude of seattle to a “everyone keep to your own” type of place. And its only getting worst.

  • km September 16, 2011 (8:19 am)

    I think its smart to be aware of anything suspicious in your neighborhood.

  • Formerwest Seattlite September 16, 2011 (9:08 am)

    I am a Ph.D holding, highly educated black person who sometimes leans on my own car outside at night. Does that make me ‘suspicious’? Considering the amount of drunken, loud, odd looking white young people walking home from Telarico’s or the Beverage place every Thur-Sunday night who are treated as friendly as neighbors by these very same type of ‘suspicious of black people’-types in West Seattle, I find it laughable that anyone would even have the gall to claim that “theres nothing wrong with profiling and singling out blacks in West Seattle as if they ‘dont belong’ there”. These are the same types of people that cant grasp why people of color in greater seattle see a serious racism problem. News alert: Just because you dont shave your head and wear a pointy white hat doesnt mean you arent racist. Judging people by the color of their skin rather than their individual actions, no matter where or when the context, makes you racist. Sorry, but post-Obama America really needs to get past this.

  • Good for you September 17, 2011 (11:00 am)

    Formerwest Seattlite, if you read the article, the reason he was asked was because he got out and FOLLOWED the woman when she said or did NOTHING to him. “I was out walking my dog and as I passed his car he immediately got out of the driver’s seat and stood next to the car and stared at me in an uncomfortable way. He then began following me once I passed his car, He followed me for a short while until my dog began barking at him and he stopped, claimed to have “battery trouble” with his car.” She spotted him again 2 days later sleeping in his car and her roommate drove by a while later, saw him still there and asked him if he lived nearby and what his business was in the neighborhood. He frightened her friend, followed her and made her feel unsafe and her roommate asking if he lived nearby and what his business was in the neighborhood was so unreasonable? Are you kidding? Formerwest Seattlite, when you leaned against your car, did you then, for no reason, follow women who were walking alone. I’m guessing not. And I don’t think you would appreciate if something like that happened to your mother, sister, wife or daughter and they came home and told you about what had happened. You too might stop and ask the person questions if they were spotted nearby again. I don’t think if this guy had not caused her to be frightened by following her that anything further would have been said or done, but because he chose to escalate things by following her (and for what reason we will never know), she felt scared and unsafe, as I think most any woman in that situation would. Thank goodness she had her dog with her and he tuned around and left and the story ended there.

  • Wondering how this became racist September 18, 2011 (9:53 pm)

    Are you guys serious? It was part of the description that he was black. The police know who they guy is already. He followed her and her dog’s intuition was threatened. The dog growled. I’m disappointed that we live in a society that cannot use basic terms to describe someone. I’m more disappointed in the “Ph.D” that turned this into a racial issue. Let’s focus on the issue – there is a mentally disturbed guy, who from several accounts (including the police), is antagonizing the community.

  • Formerwest seattlite September 21, 2011 (6:38 am)

    @ Good for you

    Just because hes walking behind her doesnt mean hes following her? Must every black person in west seattle be sure to

    1- Not lean on their car…it makes the white locals suspicions

    2- Dont drive a beater, it makes you seem poor and ‘scary’

    3- Walk behind anyone whos white? In other words, change direction and go out of your way to ensure you dont scare the precious local white west seattlites?

    Are you serious? Also, the mentioning of being black isnt the crux of the issue, its the OP’s implication of ‘creepy’ for being black, having a beater car, daring to lean on it, and daring to walk in the same direction as her.

    @ Wondering how…:

    You clearly do not and never have lived in West Seattle if you think there isnt a race problem in that region. Lets have meaningful contributions from people who actually live in the area, please. Likewise, Im not the first person to mention the racism of it. If you had read the comments, you would have seen that.

Sorry, comment time is over.