West Seattle Crime Watch update: Arrest after police search in Arbor Heights

(Photos by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand – top photo substituted for earlier phone photo)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:02 PM: We’re still trying to sort out exactly what’s happening with a big police response in the 32nd/106th area of Arbor Heights. Radio communications indicate it’s a search for a burglary suspect. More as we get it.

3:26 PM UPDATE: The original scene is now clear – but we’re checking out another address where a suspect may have been spotted, in the 32nd/105th area.

3:37 PM UPDATE: … and we’ve found the police all back at the original house, where the suspect might be hiding. So this remains an active investigation, but focused at the moment on one particular location.

4:03 PM UPDATE: Police are focused on the back yard of a house at 32nd and 106th; they have a K-9 team, too.

4:19 PM UPDATE: Co-publisher Patrick Sand has spoken at the scene with SW Precinct Lt. Ron Smith (photo above, in blue). He says this was called in as “suspicious circumstances” – a man was spotted riding a bicycle, towing another bicycle, in possession of two backpacks. More tactical police reinforcements have arrived. Lt. Smith also confirmed they believe the suspect is 32-year-old Alan Polevia (we had heard the name on the scanner but wanted to confirm before publishing) – target of a search in Shorewood earlier this year, and prior to that, known for escaping from custody at Harborview while in handcuffs.

4:33 PM UPDATE: Suspect is out and in handcuffs.

5:24 PM UPDATE: We’re adding photos. Identity confirmed; police are checking on warrants. King County Jail records show Polevia spent three days in jail when finally arrested in late March, three weeks after the Shorewood search. On March 28th, he was charged with burglary and theft in connection with an incident that was reported here, involving a scooter taken in the 5000 block of 37th SW, and a search that eventually ended at 36th and Morgan. He didn’t appear for arraignment, so a warrant was issued for his arrest in April, according to court records.

8:57 PM UPDATE: Polevia is on the King County Jail Register as of about an hour ago, held on the aforementioned warrant and two others, as well as for investigation of unlawful firearm possession related to today’s events. This likely means he’ll have a bail hearing tomorrow; we’ll check with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in the morning. We have added one more photo, above, from this afternoon’s arrest.

76 Replies to "West Seattle Crime Watch update: Arrest after police search in Arbor Heights"

  • A H Dad June 11, 2013 (3:17 pm)

    Has anyone heard if Arbor Heights Elementary dismissal is affected? Lots of kids walking home from school in the area at this time…

    • WSB June 11, 2013 (3:19 pm)

      I don’t know that it’s an extensive search. And they might have made an arrest – co-publisher Patrick has gone back over to check on the status.

  • AH Resident June 11, 2013 (3:20 pm)

    Just picked my kids up — none that I am aware of. A discription would be nice! As many of us have windows & doors open!

  • Fred June 11, 2013 (3:20 pm)

    Maybe this is the perp who has been hitting cars and houses in this area for over a year, including one of our cars that he cleaned out last Friday night? This area of SW West Seattle has been plagued by car and some house robberies.

    • WSB June 11, 2013 (3:26 pm)

      If anyone is still seeing police cars, please tell us where. Co-publisher Patrick just went back to the original scene – and he says it’s totally clear.

  • Wally June 11, 2013 (3:25 pm)

    I just drove by and they had a suspect up against the fence. About a 6’0 white guy with a beard and tattered clothing. 8 police cars on site of 106th and 30th or so.

  • Neighbor June 11, 2013 (3:28 pm)

    He was described to us as tall and Hispanic, wearing a green vest and shorts over his pants.

  • happy June 11, 2013 (3:30 pm)

    Gone from the original scene, but at 3:25 there were police cars east and west of 35th on 106th (north side of street).

    • WSB June 11, 2013 (3:32 pm)

      We found the second scene. And it sounds like they might be looking for a suspect with a familiar name, I won’t say any more than that since we might not confirm it until and unless there is a jail booking …

  • Neighbor June 11, 2013 (3:35 pm)

    They are back at the original scene, guns drawn, as of 3:35.

  • teah June 11, 2013 (3:42 pm)

    Oh, I hope this is the person that has been part of the problem in our neighborhood (per Fred’s comment), and this rash of thefts can end. our community is sick of it!

  • AH Resident June 11, 2013 (3:50 pm)

    Where’s original scene???

  • JEM June 11, 2013 (3:57 pm)

    If he is discovered to be in possesion of a electric welder, chop saw, or air compressor I know which garage they belong in….

  • lina June 11, 2013 (4:00 pm)

    yup, i live at 35th and 98th and my car was prowled two nights ago. about the 5th time that we have had a car prowled at our house in 3 years. :(

  • AH Resident June 11, 2013 (4:01 pm)

    Where’s the original scene?

  • Neighbor June 11, 2013 (4:02 pm)

    @ah resident, 106th and 32nd, NE corner

  • Neighbor June 11, 2013 (4:07 pm)

    This is the guy they are looking for.

    https://westseattleblog.com/2013/03/update-deputies-searching-for-escapee-in-shorewood

  • AH Resident June 11, 2013 (4:15 pm)

    Yes! Lots of car prowls, homes broken into – my neighbor had his car prowled three nights ago.

  • smallgirlbigtown June 11, 2013 (4:17 pm)

    Summertime in Arbor Heights. I got my car prowled three times last summer. LEAVE US ALONE.

  • Neighboralso June 11, 2013 (4:19 pm)

    Our car was prowled 2 nights ago also. 33rd and 104th. Maybe they will find my stuff!

  • panda June 11, 2013 (4:21 pm)

    Green Vest, Shorts over pants… a classic yet smart look for Spring. At least he’s fashion forward.

    • WSB June 11, 2013 (4:25 pm)

      Continuing to add info as we get it at the scene. And yes, though we don’t usually publish names before charges, I can confirm police believe the man is Alan Polevia (as seen in the link “Neighbor” included). We heard the name on the scanner but wanted to verify with police. I’m checking on his most recent history.

  • Christian June 11, 2013 (4:27 pm)

    Found two backpacks behind on side yard two months ago. Loaded full of neighborhood car goodies including my headlamp stolen month prior. PD was great and said they are trying to step up patrols.

  • AH Resident June 11, 2013 (4:31 pm)

    Him again???

  • Neighbor June 11, 2013 (4:32 pm)

    All is well, he’s been caught! Happening now.

  • NicoleD June 11, 2013 (4:33 pm)

    I saw 2 really scruffy looking guys around 10 am this morning on bikes by the presbyterian Church in Arbor Heights….. One of them sounds like the suspect. They were riding their bikes around really slowly and looked suspicious.

    • WSB June 11, 2013 (4:39 pm)

      As “Neighbor” notes, arrest made. Co-publisher Patrick Sand is en route back with photos. We should get some followup info a bit later too. – TR

  • ArborH June 11, 2013 (4:41 pm)

    Hopefully this will put a damper on some of the petty crimes in the area.

  • nebai June 11, 2013 (4:42 pm)

    Our car got broken into last week, maybe this has something to do with it. Also i thought alan was arrested a couple of months ago.

    • WSB June 11, 2013 (4:54 pm)

      Nebal – He was arrested 3/23 and out 3/26. Nothing else on the King County Jail Register since then. But I’m waiting to see the photos just brought back to HQ because otherwise we don’t know for 100 percent sure whether it did turn out to be him and even the jail register takes a few hours to catch up, let alone whether there’s an interim period for questioning a suspect, etc.

  • Neighboralso June 11, 2013 (4:49 pm)

    If the police find stuff even if it is not valuable….is there any way to look at it for your stuff? I.e. my daughter’s disposable camera with sentimental pics.

    • WSB June 11, 2013 (4:51 pm)

      If you have a case number for your burglary/theft you should be able to check with the detective assigned to it.

  • Jk June 11, 2013 (4:57 pm)

    Christian do u still have the backpacks did u see a center console tray in it

  • smokeycretin9 June 11, 2013 (5:04 pm)

    Sad…but he’ll probably be out before the weekend.

  • anonyme June 11, 2013 (5:08 pm)

    Why the hell is this scumbag out again already?

  • JanS June 11, 2013 (5:17 pm)

    he isn’t the brightest bulb in the lamp, is he?

  • Kels June 11, 2013 (5:26 pm)

    Poleva is such a thorn in West Seattle’s side. Until he enters the wrong house and meets his long overdue demise, he will be a constant source of petty crime and mail theft all over the peninsula. He will be out of jail before most of us make it home to dinner.

    Don’t make life easy for him. Get a locked mailbox. Don’t leave bikes and yard equipment in your yard. Shut your garage doors. Don’t leave things (even empty bags) in your cars. There’s no difference between this and leaving out food scraps for the coons.

    Most importantly — learn what he looks like and call police if you see him.

    • WSB June 11, 2013 (5:38 pm)

      We’re continuing to add information to the story. He was charged in late March in connection with the previously-reported-here incident involving a scooter theft from Hansen View and a chase to the vicinity of the 36th/Morgan problem house – but did not show up for arraignment, so there’s been a warrant out for his arrest for two months. – TR

  • Mongo June 11, 2013 (5:47 pm)

    Our home in Arbor Heights was burglarized by 2 people last year. Thanks to quick thinking from our neighbor, they were caught – 1 minor / 1 adult. Both plead guilty (both convicted of multiple burglaries, and both had priors). After attending both sentencing hearings, I understand why they get out and repeat this stuff. The penalties are a joke. The juvenile was given a slap on the wrist, and the adult won’t do much more prison than the time served awaiting trial. It was a real eye-opener to watch these criminals game the system. Was sad to see how our justice system enables these scum.

  • CBF98146 June 11, 2013 (6:18 pm)

    I went to the “yard sale” at this house 2 weeks ago and found some of the tools that were taken from my truck that was stolen.
    I bet there are a lot of stolen goods in that 3-car garage.

  • Eric June 11, 2013 (6:23 pm)

    Can we please keep this POS in jail at least for a while?

  • Joey June 11, 2013 (6:23 pm)

    From behind he looks like the guy involved in an early morning car break-in that happened to us a few weeks ago. He was with a 30 something women who actually did the car prowl, but as I chased her, he started chasing me! He looked like trouble so I backed off after she threw all the goods out of her jacket!

    I thought it was three strikes you’re out? That’s three strikes CAUGHT, mind you……

    Has that changed?

  • nemobeansmom June 11, 2013 (6:43 pm)

    “Joey” I was thinking the exact same thing, 3 strikes???

  • CandrewB June 11, 2013 (6:49 pm)

    “Why the hell is this scumbag out again already?”

    It is because our esteemed leaders don’t care about you, not really anyway. As long as you are only terrorizing other civilians that don’t by-and-large contribute to campaigns, you are not a concern. Publicize NSA abilities? There is no place on Earth you can hide. I was just reading about a Chicago woman with her 396th arrest; she always victimized the right people.

  • DaPuffin June 11, 2013 (6:52 pm)

    Hoping he gets a nice LONG sentence this time. And no bail option per-sentencing.

  • Eric June 11, 2013 (7:13 pm)

    Hey Joey,

    Here’s what he looks like from the front, with a head of course. Does this look like him?

    https://westseattleblog.com/2013/03/west-seattle-and-vicinity-crime-watch-alan-polevia-in-jail

  • Sgt. Joe June 11, 2013 (7:19 pm)

    Joey, Can you describe the woman? Email me the description at joseph.bauer@seattle.gov
    I would appreciate the info.
    Sgt. Joe Bauer SPD

  • thistle stairs June 11, 2013 (7:28 pm)

    If I had my way people like him would no longer be a problem but what about all the people who rely on criminals for their careers? Judges,lawyers,cops,for-profit prison employees all make their living from a steady supply of damaged fools. What incentive is there to actually solve the problems that create these people? So pick him up and let him go because the way the system is set up he is the one who creates the jobs by stealing your stuff and engaging the wheels of “justice”.

  • Wes June 11, 2013 (7:45 pm)

    I think situations like this are why the movie “The Purge” is so popular. 12 hours where anything goes? It wouldn’t be the criminals who never play by the rules of society who’s behavior would change. It would be the people who normally obey the law taking matters into their own hands to get rid of rats like this guy who plague our neighborhoods.

  • Anon June 11, 2013 (7:45 pm)

    Would like to say, as someone that watched this all unfold, the police did an incredible job at catching this jerk. They were super persistent and never gave up. They literally yanked him out of a dark and dank crawlspace where he wasn’t even visible. Pretty unreal.

    Thank you very much to the SPD.

    Let’s hope this dude stays in jail for a long while.

  • Amy June 11, 2013 (8:17 pm)

    Can’t help but wonder if any of those bikes in the yard could be my stolen bike.

  • Brenda June 11, 2013 (8:59 pm)

    Just another Dirtbag.
    Great job SPD!

  • flimflam June 11, 2013 (9:47 pm)

    oooh but he’s simply down on his luck….this could be you one day, just a poor soul who needs another chance.

  • Candace McCutcheon June 11, 2013 (10:09 pm)

    It’s good he was caught — now he is recognizable if he makes bail!

  • John June 11, 2013 (10:28 pm)

    Thank you SPD for the great work. Can we please ensure a lengthy sentence if convicted? This is a repeat offender who must be kept off the streets.

  • KD June 11, 2013 (10:59 pm)

    “Pants on the ground – Pants on the ground!!!” (Just making a remark on his fashion statement.. from that American Idol song.)

  • bolo June 12, 2013 (12:10 am)

    “…a man was spotted riding a bicycle, towing another bicycle…”

    That right there takes some skills! How?

  • burglarbustindad June 12, 2013 (6:51 am)

    Commenting on your 8:57 photo…I do not (heart) Mr. Polevia
    Now he has a gun!
    What do we need to do to keep this guy out of our homes?

  • RickM June 12, 2013 (8:38 am)

    This guy has a rap sheet a mile long with burglaries, violent assaults, skipping arraignments and now he has a gun! I hope the judge recognizes that this guy has no business getting out on bail and needs to be locked up for a long, long time.

  • Robert June 12, 2013 (9:28 am)

    JOE AND THE REST OF THE SPD BUST THEIR BUTTS AND SOME POLITICAL SCUMBAG IN THE PROSECUTERS OFFICE PUSHES THEM OUT THE DOOR WITH A SLAP ON THE REAR. ALL THAT HAPPENS IS SOME PUBLIC DEFENDER GETS A BUNCH OF BUCKS FOR DEFENDING HIM . THE PROSECUTER GETS A BROWNIE POINT FOR PROSECUTING HIM , AND IT STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN. JOB SECURITY FOR A BUNCH OF WORTHLESS LAWYERS. NEEDS FIXING BAD..

    • WSB June 12, 2013 (10:19 am)

      Robert, a large part of the problem actually lies with the sentencing laws as they stand now. The Legislature is accountable for that. And then, judges have some leeway too. The final say, in fact, no matter what prosecutors request. Go sit in a courtroom sometime if you haven’t already (I have, many times) and see how it goes. We’ve covered some interesting cases with a variety of outcomes. We’ll watch this one closely – I am trying to find out when he goes in for a bail hearing, likely today – TR

  • alkiobserver June 12, 2013 (9:57 am)

    Great work SPD! Thanks so much for collaring a rat that has been a nuisance in our neighborhood. His presence is just a complete waste and drain on the community.

  • Del Martini June 12, 2013 (10:56 am)

    Thank you Seattle Police for arresting this loser.
    Standup work!

  • Arbor Heights Neighbor June 12, 2013 (12:15 pm)

    I bet this is the same person who prowled our garage on Sunday night, 6/9. A kind neighbor returned the car registration that was stolen after he surprised the prowler in another home. The burglar dropped a box and our goods were in it. Thank you, neighbor!

  • Sue Murray June 12, 2013 (7:55 pm)

    I have been in the courtroom and also the victim of theft. If someone doesn’t show up for arraignment there is a warrant issued but they are rarely served unless for murder. In King County there are 1 1/2 detectives for serving warrants and 10,000 outstanding warrants. They hope the person will commit another crime or get stopped for a traffic violation in order to pick them up.
    For the most part unless the crime involves over $50,000, there is very little done. In fact the detectives know not to send any case to the prosecutors office unless it is that amount.
    I suggested that new police officers spend the first few months on the job serving warrants. I finally got the person who stole from us picked up (she was at the address the court had for her) but I had to make numerous phone calls and push very hard to get it done.
    The system is broken and needs to be fixed!

    • WSB June 12, 2013 (8:36 pm)

      Thanks, Sue. To anyone else checking in – I will have a followup on today’s bail hearing for Polevia, published separately in a little while.

  • phil dirt June 13, 2013 (8:07 am)

    Creeps like this guy go through the revolving door, and Ed Murray wants to inflict gun control on lawful citizens?

  • Worried in AH June 14, 2013 (6:05 am)

    How long until this scumbag is released? And starts doing armed home invasion? I don’t like firearms but unfortunately because I live in AH, I’ve been forced to extreme measures. I’ll be damned if this inhuman scumbag will come into my home and harm/steal from me or, more importantly in every way, threaten the safety of my family. I work out of the home, and I’m around day & night, and I will not live in fear.

  • CBF98146 June 14, 2013 (10:05 pm)

    Patrick Skinner was released from jail yesterday. He steals vehicles in West Seattle. Watch out.

  • Jack June 15, 2013 (10:06 am)

    Can you post a picture of Patrick Skinner?

    • WSB June 15, 2013 (10:48 am)

      I’ve never heard of him and have no photos. I only allowed the comment through because I was able to find him on the court records log – otherwise random names, against the rules. Still checking on case details.

      Re: Polevia, I’ll be watching the case regularly. Still in custody as of this moment.

  • Scott June 20, 2013 (10:12 am)

    This dude doesn’t work alone! His parents live in that area! Probably where he was staying!

  • pgf June 21, 2013 (4:17 am)

    As i can see most of you are sheltered and are oblivious to the bigger picture here.ever imagine an addiction.it’s purely the devil.maybe our issues in our community would change if we changed our approach on similar situations

  • tophat topcat June 23, 2013 (7:11 pm)

    I see on the jail register that he is in the process of being released, bonded out on final charge. So guess he will be out soon so watch for this POS.

    • WSB June 23, 2013 (7:36 pm)

      Thanks Tophat – I have gone to the jail register about 10 times today and got “system down” messages every time, but it’s been a few hours and I see it showing his status as released 4:35 pm. Was working on a Crime Watch update anyway. Thanks – TR

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