Update: Suspects in Arbor Heights robbery linked to others, police say
11:43 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent tips/questions about police activity in north Arbor Heights, near 35th/Roxbury. Police have detained three people; we’re working to find out what for.
12:10 AM: Our crew at the scene has learned so far that this is a robbery investigation. The original scene is apparently near 35th/104th; closer to Roxbury, police were searching a car. No details beyond that.
ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: The car (in our photo above) was impounded to be searched for evidence; one item recovered, per scanner traffic, was a purse belonging to a victim. Commenter “Neighbor” confirms this was a street robbery; we expect to get more details from police later this morning and will ask if there’s any suspicion it’s related to the holdup about 24 hours earlier in Admiral (reported here, with backstory on other recent cases).
10:15 AM UPDATE: Police say the suspects were responsible for three robberies/assaults last night – and are believed to be linked to other cases. From SPD Blotter:
Three men are now in custody following a series of robberies that stretched from Holly Park to Fauntleroy to Arbor Heights last night in a span of about 90 minutes.
The first robbery occurred at a bus stop at Beacon Avenue South and South Holly Street just after 10:00 pm. A woman was waiting for a bus when she was approached by a suspect armed with a black semi-automatic pistol. The suspect had a bandana covering his face, and demanded the victim’s cell phone. The victim handed over the phone and the suspect pushed her to the ground before he fled the area on foot. A witnesses driving by stopped to assist the victim and called 911. Officers conducted a search, including with a K9, but the suspect was not located. The victim had a few bruises on her elbow and hand, but did not require any medical attention.
Later, at about 11:10 pm, officers from the Southwest Precinct responded to a report of an assault with a weapon at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood Place, just south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock. The adult male victim told officers he was walking to catch a ferry when he was confronted by an unknown male suspect. The suspect said something to the victim and then struck him on top on the head with the butt of a gun. The suspect then ran off without taking anything from the victim. Officers contacted the victim. He declined any medical treatment and left to board his boat. The suspect was not located.
About twenty minutes after that, 11:30 pm, officers from Southwest responded to the Arbor Heights neighborhood for a report of an armed robbery. A woman was walking in the 10400 Block of 35th Avenue SW when a suspect wearing a white hooded sweatshirt approached her from behind, grabbing her purse from her shoulder, yelling at her “Give it to me! Give it to me!” He then pointed something at her forehead, which the victim believed was a gun. The victim screamed for help and the suspect ran off east on 104th. Moments later, the victim and a neighbor saw a car drive by them with the suspect inside. Arriving officers made a high risk vehicle stop at SW 98th Street and 35th Avenue SW and took three males into custody.
Officers observed a woman’s purse inside the car, along with a blue bandana and several cell phones. A black handgun was observed under the front passenger’s seat. The suspect car was photographed and then towed to the processing room awaiting a search warrant.
The victim positively identified the suspect wearing the white hooded sweatshirt as the suspect who had robbed her minutes earlier and positively identified her purse in the car.
Detectives from the Robbery Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for the follow up investigation. It is very possible that this trio of suspects are responsible for a number of armed street robberies that have occurred in various neighborhoods citywide this summer.
Detectives spent most of the night interviewing the suspects.
The suspects, ages 19, 21 and 22, will be booked into the King County Jail following their interviews with detectives.
West Seattle scenes: Late-summer sunset and moonset
This was a day bookended by a beautiful sunset and a glorious moonset. Above, thanks to Scott Bessho for the sunset photo from Lincoln Park; below, thanks to Greg Anderson for sharing this morning’s memorable moonset, over a ferry bound for Southworth:
Tonight’s sunset and moonrise were just two minutes apart, and if you’re up early tomorrow and have a view to the west, you can check out the next moonset. You can always find the sun/moon rising/setting times, plus forecasts, tides, and more, on the WSB West Seattle Weather page.
West Seattle writer Nicole Hardy’s new book now on sale; local reading ahead
In early 2011, we mentioned the big buzz West Seattle writer Nicole Hardy was getting for an essay published by the New York Times – so big, an agent and book deal followed. Two and a half years later, that book has just gone on sale, and Hardy is preparing for appearances including its launch party and, next month, a hometown reading. Her book, officially released Tuesday, is titled “Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin“; like her now-renowned essay, Hardy’s book is a first-person account of what it’s like to be a single Mormon woman without marriage and motherhood on the horizon, and without being particularly desperate to change that, despite the traditions, teachings, and pressures of her faith community.
In addition to her acclaimed writing, which includes two collections of poetry as well as her newly published memoir, you might know Hardy from her work at West Seattle restaurants Circa and Ma’ono. But right now, her writing is in the spotlight, with 2 months of readings ahead, and this Friday night, her official book-launch party is happening at Hugo House on Capitol Hill, 6:30 pm (details on the Hugo House website – and/or RSVP via Facebook). And she now has a West Seattle reading/signing in the works, too – Twilight Gallery in The Junction, which has been offering an increasing number of literary events lately, will host Hardy on Thursday, September 26th, at 7 pm.
ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: The author notes this morning in a comment below that her book is arriving TODAY at West Seattle’s only new-books outlet, Westwood Village Barnes & Noble.
West Seattle Crime Watch followup: Serial burglar pleads guilty
(WSB photo from 48th/Findlay arrest scene last February)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Half a year ago, you might recall the saga of what appeared to be a one-man burglary wave – 25-year-old Justin Wood, arrested twice, for two burglaries, one week apart, while he was already facing prosecution for another, and then confessing to more than 20 more break-ins. Wood’s bail eventually was set at an extraordinarily high amount for a “nonviolent criminal” – half a million dollars.
We lost track of Wood’s case until a WSB’er’s note last night informing us he had pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. So we dug up the court documents to find out more about the plea bargain struck in this case:
Last Thursday, Wood pleaded guilty to seven counts of residential burglary, one count of attempted residential burglary, and two counts of theft of a firearm, from incidents between September of last year and February of this year, all at residences in West Seattle. The burglaries to which he has confessed happened all over the peninsula, from North Admiral to Westwood, according to addresses and summaries in the court documents, which say some loot was recovered, but a lot was pawned, apparently so Wood could feed a heroin habit. He was found in possession of heroin during one of his final arrests back in February. Some of the burglaries were committed while he was out on personal recognizance after a December arrest for a November burglary last year.
Documents show the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office plans to recommend a variety of concurrent sentences that, if the judge agrees, will add up to 8 1/2 years total. Wood’s sentencing is scheduled for October. He’s been back in jail six months as of tomorrow, with his bail still at that half-million-dollar level set shortly after he went back in.
West Seattle outdoor entertainment ahead: Fly Moon Royalty; Spyrographs; ‘Spinal Tap’
Here’s what’s ahead for West Seattle’s weekly free summer entertainment events this week – two of which are season finales:
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Still two more shows to go in this series, with Fly Moon Royalty onstage tomorrow (Thursday) night, 6:30 pm, as the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented concerts (with co-sponsors including WSB) continue on the east lawn at Hiawatha (along Walnut Ave. south of Lander).
CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT: It’s ’60s nostalgia at 6 pm Friday night as The Spyrographs take the stage for this year’s fourth and final outdoor concert on the south side of the Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. On the menu for (optional) dinner at 5:30 pm – salmon or chicken Caesar salad.
WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Saturday is the grand finale for this summer’s series (with co-sponsors including WSB), with the ’80s classic “This Is Spinal Tap” screening Saturday at dusk (around 8:30 pm; gates open at 6:30) on the big screen next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW; WSB sponsor). The movie’s free, but if you can, please bring $ for concessions and raffle supporting local nonprofits.
First news of the 2013 holiday season: West Seattle Lights contest
Christmas might be four months away – but there’s only three more months for Jim Winder, the mastermind of the West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular synchronized light show, to get ready, and today, he’s sharing news of a contest for this year: Name the new animated MC – and the contest (simple to enter!) is NOT just for kids. Play the minute-long video above for details, and/or read on for this and other announcements about this year’s show:
Read More
West Seattle Crime Watch: Van full of work tools stolen
Be on the lookout for his van full of work tools, stolen from the Westwood Village area. It’s a white 1995 Econoline utility van, no back or side windows, two ladder racks that – at least at the time of the theft – carried two yellow ladders. License plates are Washington B88338H; there’s no signage on the van, the owner says, but there’s a “crease in the back passenger side corner panel.” It was taken sometime between 10 pm Monday and 6 am Tuesday near 24th and Barton (map), and has been reported to Seattle Police, so if you see it or have information about it, call 911 (as SPD advises in its tweets about this and all stolen vehicles).
Signs of what’s ahead for your West Seattle Wednesday night
Thanks to the Fauntleroy Community Association for allowing us to republish that photo from the FCA Facebook page – FCA past president Bruce Butterfield took it after finding old West Seattle street signs at Seattle Antique Market on the downtown waterfront. P.S. The city still sells old signs direct to the public, too – info’s here (and if you follow the “inventory” link, you’ll see it was updated just a week ago). Now, on to the future in our belated daily roundup – six events you might want to know about for tonight:
HEALTHY FAMILIES CELEBRATION: Fun, food, more this evening at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center, 5-8 pm – details in our calendar listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
PUB RUN: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is the launch point for a pub run sponsored by Adidas tonight; meet at the shop (California/Charlestown) at 6:30 pm, try on Adidas shoes if you’re interested, head out on a 3-mile run, meeting at Spiro’s Pizza and Pasta (California/Hinds) afterward, where, WSR says, Adidas buys the first round of beer and provides free pint glasses to all, as well as prizes for highest scorers in “trivia games about running, adidas and West Seattle Runner.”
SUBSTATIONS MEETING: If you’re near one of the former substation properties whose future will be determined soon by Seattle City Light, you might want to come to tonight’s meeting, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – see our preview from last night to find out about the locations – some are on tonight’s agenda, while some will be discussed at a different meeting next week. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
NATURE WALK: Explore Lincoln Park with naturalist Stewart Wechsler – looking and listening for owls and more. 7 pm; details in our listing.
‘UNPLUGGED!’: The Seattle Classic Guitar Society‘s open-microphone event is 7-9 pm tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)
CYRCUS NIGHT: 9-11 pm Wednesdays at Shadowland in The Junction, it’s a free aerial-arts and circus show – details here. (California/Oregon)
Demolition under way at Lowman Beach sewer-overflow project site
(WSB photo taken Tuesday afternoon)
The next phase of pre-construction work is under way this week across the street from Lowman Beach Park – the county has begun demolition of the six residential buildings vacated more than a year ago on the inland side of Beach Drive, where an underground storage tank will be built to reduce combined-sewer overflows from the Murray Pump Station across the street. The county began “deconstruction” and salvage work weeks ago (with a requirement that “at least 25 percent of the materials from the site” be salvaged, and now has brought in the heavy equipment to tear down what remains of the former residences. As announced by King County at last month’s Morgan Community Association meeting, “After the buildings are down, the contractor will fill in the foundations with soil to ensure the site remains stable and safe until facility construction begins later this year.”
Celebration of life Saturday for Don Lenning, 1946-2013
A memorial is planned Saturday (August 24th) to remember Don Lenning, a lifelong West Seattle resident who died this week at age 66. Here’s a remembrance shared by his family:
Donald Gene Lenning
December 4, 1946 – August 19, 2013
Don graduated from West Seattle High School in 1965 and remained a lifelong resident of West Seattle. He was a University of Washington Graduate and served his country honorably in the Vietnam War.
Don is survived by his wife Kris and daughter Alexa. He is also survived by three sisters, Audrey Anderson, Margaret Norberg, and Loretta Kirby, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Don fought a long and courageous battle against cancer; he recently led his Sundancers team at the West Seattle Relay for Life event.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers including Dr. Milder and the Swedish Medical Center staff. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society
There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the West Seattle Golf Course. Don was an avid golfer.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Not too late for Seattle Public Library’s Summer Reading Program
While many schools start up two weeks from today (!) the Seattle Public Library wants to make sure kids and their families are aware its Summer Reading Program isn’t over yet. And they can get credit for reading they’ve already done:
If you know a child who has or will read 10 books this summer, bring them to your local library branch to fill out their Reading Certificate. Each finisher receives PRIZES! They will receive a free book of their very own, a family pass to go to the Burke Museum for FREE and their name on our Wall of Champions. If they haven’t read 10 books, that’s okay. They can receive a cool window cling for reading 5 books!
Our area has four SPL branches – find the one nearest you by going here. The Summer Reading Program officially ends on August 31st, but that’s still ten days away.
West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 robbed at gunpoint in North Admiral
Two robbers and two victims in a holdup late Tuesday night: We heard fragments of this via the scanner, 
and now we’ve heard directly from one victim, whose name we’ll abbreviate to “M.” He wrote, “My friend and I were robbed by two armed men at gunpoint; they asked for our phones. It took place on California and Ferry [map] at around 10:45 pm; be careful and be on the lookout.” He says the robbers approached from behind, “displayed their weapon and said ‘this is a stickup,” then walked us down the hill far enough to be in the shadow, and took our things.” He described one as Hispanic, 5’8″, in a gray hoodie, the other African-American, 5’10”, in a “purple Husky hoodie,” both male, both wearing shorts. Last we heard on the scanner, poilce hadn’t found the robbers, but we’ll doublecheck later this morning.
4:54 AM: Commenter Eric asked about a recap of other recent armed street robberies. Checking our files and the SPD map (which only has a “robberies” category, so note that not all incidents showing with that icon are holdups like this):
–Monday night (August 18th), 5800 block of SW Lander (no details online, will check with SPD)
–Thursday morning (August 15th), 2600 block of SW Thistle, knifepoint holdup, phone stolen, arrest made when phone tracked by GPS (23-year-old suspect Tyler Lambert has been charged and is still in jail)
–August 3rd, 30th and Myrtle (this case and the next one were both covered in this story)
–August 1st, 5200 block 16th SW
ADDED: We procured the Monday night Alki robbery report from SPD, as noted in comments. The report says it happened at Whale Tail Park just before 6 pm Monday; the victim was listening to music on his iPhone when he was approached by three people (no descriptions are included in the section of the report we received, except that one was female). One of them asked the victim if they could use his phone to make a phone call. The victim handed over his phone, and the robber/thief said “it’s mine now.” While he did not display a gun or say he had one, the report says the victim said he had reason to believe he did. The three then ran southbound from the park; the victim went to a friend’s home nearby and called his mom, who called 911 an unspecified time later, after she and her son drove around looking for the robbers. No injuries reported.
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