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West Seattle Crime Watch: Woman punched in the face by attacker, needs $3,000 in dental work

December 22, 2015 3:19 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A 67-year-old West Seattle woman is recovering from being attacked and robbed while walking back to her house after visiting her ailing husband.

We hadn’t heard about last Friday’s attack until a friend of the victim e-mailed us last night:

She was walking the few blocks home after visiting her husband at a care facility and she was attacked by a random perpetrator. He punched her in the face and knocked her to the ground. She suffered a black eye and had two teeth knocked out, as well as suffering other damage to her teeth. They caught the suspect, but she is now looking at a $3,000 dental bill, and she is retired on a fixed income. We wanted to get the word out and make sure everyone stays safe and is aware of their surroundings.

We’ve since obtained the report that includes details of the incident. Here’s what an officer reported finding after responding to the 911 call from 16th SW and SW Sullivan around 6 pm Friday:

(The victim) was holding her face and blood was coming out of her mouth. She stated that she thought her teeth were broken. (She) stated that she was walking down 16th Ave SW when she noticed a male following behind her. She stated that the unknown male charged at her and punched her in the face with a closed fist. (She) fell to the ground on her right knee and screamed for help. She stated that she had had a full knee replacement in her right knee.

She was now experiencing significant pain in her right knee. (She) stated that after she fell, the male came back at her and punched her a second time in the face. The male then ran northbound down the alley on the west side of 16 Ave SW. (The victim) advised that she was missing a pair of prescription glasses.

When the suspect was found nearby, he had her glasses – worth $500 – in his possession, according to the case paperwork, and that raised the crime level from assault to robbery.

Turned out that officers had found him even before they learned of the attack, because of a burglary attempt nearby – a resident in the 8400 block of 17th SW reported a man “banging and kicking at the back door,” according to the police report, which added that the man was reported to have appeared “extremely intoxicated.” The resident yelled at him to leave, which he did, briefly, returning to kick open the door to a shed behind the house, police say. Officers found the suspect at 17th and Cloverdale a short time later; they happened to be nearby, checking out a report of a hit-run crash that damaged a parked car.

The suspect is 19 years old. His record shows that he last spent time in jail this past March; documents in that case indicate that he was arrested for allegedly stealing a hotel van in SeaTac. He was charged with auto theft and DUI – with tests finding .20 blood alcohol – and then struck a plea bargain, pleading guilty to car prowl and DUI. In June, Judge Roger Rogoff sentenced him to two days in jail plus a one-year suspended sentence. While paperwork in this case doesn’t include a current address for him, he was living on Beacon Hill at the time of his arrest in March. Right now, he’s in the King County Jail, in lieu of $75,000 bail.

Meanwhile, the donation account set up by friends of the victim to pay for her estimated $3,000 in dental work is on this GoFundMe page.

8:08 PM NOTE: After reaching the goal, the donation page has been closed, we just noticed.

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40 Replies to "West Seattle Crime Watch: Woman punched in the face by attacker, needs $3,000 in dental work"

  • debra December 22, 2015 (3:28 pm)

    What a terribly thing…nineteen year old is headed for a life of crime…there is a special place in hell for tras like that

  • Elif December 22, 2015 (3:42 pm)

    Thank you for setting up the GoFundMe. I think Crime Victims compensation can also be of help. http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/CrimeVictims/FileCoverage/EligibilityRequirements/Default.asp

  • flimflam December 22, 2015 (4:11 pm)

    man, what a terrible thing to do. i’m sorry, if he is willing to do something that low I can’t see him ever being “rehabilitated”. I know he’s only 19 but good lord…

  • newnative December 22, 2015 (4:19 pm)

    A good reason to really hate plea bargains.

  • Born on Alki59 December 22, 2015 (4:22 pm)

    I say 10 years hard labor for this cowardly punk. Make him pay full restitution. WTF is wrong with people?

  • ElisaT December 22, 2015 (4:23 pm)

    that is horrific. that could have been my mother (or since I used to live in that ‘hood – me!). thanks for sharing the gofundme link.

  • Matt December 22, 2015 (4:30 pm)

    Sounds like he will go back to jail for at least 1 year for the previous charges and I hope he gets quite a few more for this. What a POS.

  • Cheryl Brenner December 22, 2015 (5:23 pm)

    Hello,
    Can you get in touch with me? My husband, Dr. Bryan Brenner, would like to help. His office is on 16th Ave Sw, so it’ sounds like the area where she lives. Thanks!

  • Mark December 22, 2015 (5:25 pm)

    What I wouldn’t give to spend 5 min with him. Someone like this needs a reality check.

  • Evergreen December 22, 2015 (6:10 pm)

    Horrific crime. If that happened to my mother, I would be completely devastated. However, the success of this crowdfundraiser for her dental repairs restores one’s faith in this community! Most of our neighbors are really good people.

  • old timer December 22, 2015 (6:11 pm)

    This disgusting attack reminded me of the one on Ramon Aspeitia. Is there any news on how he is doing?
    Last I heard he was paralyzed in his attack.
    There is also a fundraising site for him.
    https://www.youcaring.com/ramon-aspeitia-458306

  • Mr E December 22, 2015 (6:39 pm)

    Donated and shared the gofundme link. I hope this woman doesn’t lose faith in her neighbors.

  • Seattlite December 22, 2015 (7:05 pm)

    An extremely violent crime committed against this senior citizen. This criminal will only escalate his violence. He needs to be locked away for a long, long time.

    I hope this lady fully recovers physically and emotionally.

  • AB December 22, 2015 (7:06 pm)

    I live nearby, and this is just unconscionable.

  • show us the perp December 22, 2015 (7:31 pm)

    I’d like his photo and name please the minute it’s released. I can then watch the jail roster when they let him go early. Seriously, I want to see this creep.

  • neighbor December 22, 2015 (7:57 pm)

    I’m really thankful he wasn’t armed. 19 seems so young, I hope he can turn his life around. I hope the woman who was attacked feels the support of the whole neighborhood and can find some comfort in that.

  • Cheer December 22, 2015 (8:10 pm)

    As I attempted to add a donation I noticed the GoFundMe goal of $3,000 has been met and donations turned off. It makes my heart smile that there are so many caring people to help take the financial stress away from this horrible attack. I’m sure psychologically the victim will have a difficult time walking to/from visits to her husband. I wonder if there is any way to set up a pre-paid Uber account (or something similar) for her.

  • Eric December 22, 2015 (8:29 pm)

    You’ve got to be kidding me, what a bleeping coward!!!! A worthless human being, and two days for his other crime. Yeah, the justice system works *sarcasm*

  • Steve December 22, 2015 (8:35 pm)

    Makes this anti-gun citizen think about going out to buy one. Scum like this guy deserve the worst.

  • WTF December 22, 2015 (9:07 pm)

    Too bad the homeowner didn’t just sit and wait…

  • Jodilyn December 22, 2015 (9:21 pm)

    Please share (if you can) a description and/or photo of this gentleman. My father lives in the area and had an evening visitor at his door requesting to inspect his smoke detectors inside his house. Very persistent young man he described, who would not take no for an answer. Curious if this is related.

  • joel December 22, 2015 (9:34 pm)

    car theft and a dui and he got 2 days in jail. where is that judge at now? isn’t the dui alone a year in jail…why was this person even on the streets?……between the theft, assault and the attempted break in today he should be looking at 10 years plus time – let’s see what deal the judge gives him this time – maybe 4 days in jail?

  • Wsea98116 December 22, 2015 (10:03 pm)

    Heartbreaking. It’s nice that she won’t have have to pay, but horrible that she still has to HAVE, reconstructive surgery. As if her situation was not challenging enough..?
    This guy…this coward…should never be loose again in society.

  • Cd December 22, 2015 (10:18 pm)

    Rehabilitation? How often do idiots like this get rehab’d and enter back into society as a contributing citizen – NEVER! Ship them off to an island where they can all arrack one another. Enough is enough, tougher punishment in 2016.

  • Wb December 22, 2015 (10:32 pm)

    This is horrendous–and my heart breaks for the victim. No woman should be afraid to walk in this neighborhood. I hope the healing is speedy–emotionally and physically. God bless.

  • show us the perp December 22, 2015 (11:51 pm)

    So, he was 19 and blows a .20? Underage and almost 3x the legal limit…Ohhhhh poor baby. This guy needs a real judge, not someone to coddle him, pat him on the head and ask him to try harder next time to stay out of trouble. Yes, alcoholism is a disease, but intentionally charging at and smacking a woman in the face is a crime. Using his disease as an excuse for doing it is cowardly, so I hope we don’t have to debate that here.

    He has to still be on probation I hope. He would’ve violated it here. I will be searching his court record the minute his name is posted to see if that is the case. If it is, and they let it slide this time, I have a real issue.

    I am not pro gun either, but as a woman, one of those stun gun flashlights on Amazon sounds pretty attractive to me right now.

  • WSB December 23, 2015 (12:08 am)

    I’ve pulled everything I could find in ECR from the resolution of the earlier case. Community custody is NOT checked on the “misdemeanor sentencing” form from June – just the two days in jail/364 days suspended, plus a variety of conditions such as interlock device required if he drove. But the guilty-plea document noted that the prosecutor’s recommendation would include “up to 60 months of supervised probation.”

  • JanS December 23, 2015 (1:31 am)

    I’m glad to hear that this community has stepped up and funded this woman’s medical/dental bills in 24 hours. The gofundme site has been closed since they met their goal.

  • JoB December 23, 2015 (7:13 am)

    i am with Jans.. the big win in this story is the way the community stepped up to help this woman.
    .
    we really really need better public resources for this kind of thing because this is the kind of even that too often ends with seniors losing their homes

  • Hunter December 23, 2015 (7:31 am)

    If you feel sorry for the 19 year old
    1. You are part of the problem
    2. You can pony up for his life time care
    3. We are lucky the 67 wasn’t killed in the attack.
    4. The attacker returned to punch her again
    While on the ground.
    5. Why no one tackled the attacker is lame. Stand up for your rights and others.

  • Jon December 23, 2015 (1:32 pm)

    Show Us The Perp: as a registered CPL holder, a “Good Samaritan”, and as someone who had been in similar situations as this poor woman (far too many times), let me assure you that “stun guns” are ineffective and are actually more dangerous than carrying concealed. I see this so frequently and it is one piece of “advice” which needs to be retired for the sake of the person depending on such weapons.

    Nonlethal weapons don’t even penetrate sweatshirts. Look up the recent London stabbings as the Metro Police (forbidden from carrying firearms) recoil in fear after their tasers failed to subdue the attacker — provoking him further.

    And think of it like this: instead of stopping someone, you’ve effectively just made them angry. It’s like kicking an angry dog in the side. You haven’t stopped them, and now, they’ll come at you twice as hard.

    Don’t be so afraid of guns. They are a tool and you simply need to find the right tool and train with it. It might take a few months to find the right fit (it took me a year to find mine), but the defense industry does a decent job of catering to a lot of people. Always choose comfort and reliability.

    My blind recommendation would probably be a GLOCK 43, to just about anyone. It’s extremely small and concealable. It will work in almost any condition. It’s a fantastic choice.

    But do go to a range where you can rent out various firearms to try before you buy. Consult someone knowledgeable and purchase the right tools.

    I think that you’ll find that the gun owning community is more Friendly Neighbor and less Bogeyman than you’ve been brought up to believe. Many gun owners are extremely passionate and full of helpful information. There are lots of resources out there for first timers, so don’t feel like it’s not okay to ask questions or to start with zero knowledge.

    Your life and the lives of your community matter more than principals and politics. Educate yourself and be prepared.

    I would seriously recommend trying a few compact 9mm models before ever suggesting that anyone rely on “stun guns”. An LEO would tell you the same thing. And they’d also dispel the myth of “shoot to wound” / “shoot the legs” that so many people without proper knowledge like to recommend. If you ever have to shoot, you shoot “center mass”.

    Also, WA is a Stand Your Ground state (thankfully). If someone is a legitimate threat, you have every right to defend yourself. Study the laws to know the circumstances.

    Look up Personal Defense Network on YouTube for basic tutorials (attend a class if you can). Also, FaliaPhotohraphy (also on YouTube) is a personal defense channel run by a woman, focusing on the unique issues in regards to female carry options, different hand sizes and garments, et cetera. She’s amazing. Definitely give it a look.

    At the very least, invest in a nice LED personal defense flashlight (Tactical Torch) with a crenelated “Strike Bezel”. They typically also have an emergency strobe function. A decent product will probably run you $100-250. I recommend the Elzetta over anything (I realize it’s pricey but it will outlast you and is backed by a Made In The USA warranty). Just make sure that – whatever you get – it’s military-grade to survive drops and that it’s a simple push-button tail cap.

    A cheaper and decent alternative is the Klarus XT12 (just be sure everything works properly and buy from a retailer with a good return policy). I’ve had mixed luck with about four of those. Exchanging through retailers was the only option as they’re in China.

    The light (130+ lumens) will blind and the bezel is great for impact damage to soft tissue (and can scrape DNA for LEO).

    Sorry for the overload post, but I wish someone had laid it out all for me, years ago.

    Consider your options. Fight the stigma of your right to defend your life. Stay safe.

  • JerNJul December 23, 2015 (3:00 pm)

    Jon: Thank you. That was the best self-protection post I’ve seen on this blog – great information about responsible gun use, actual product suggestions, and your presentation was supportive and respectful. Well done!

  • Dale December 23, 2015 (3:19 pm)

    I wouldn’t throw a pro-gun blanket statement at this situation. Personal guns can help in some situations, but I seriously doubt a woman of this age will be carrying a glock 43 around for protection. I also doubt she would be keeping her training up to use it in a safe way. I’ve seen all types of gun owners, just like any other group of people. There are bad ones, good ones, irresponsible ones, responsible ones. Nothing compares to a good set of street smarts and some pepper spray. Heck, get some bear spray and carry it on your belt.

    If you have had your teeth knocked out and punched in the face after you’ve been down on the ground “far too many times”, then you either live in the worst possible places on the planet or you are a trouble maker and need your gun to get your mouth out of trouble.

  • Show us the perp December 23, 2015 (4:40 pm)

    I’m really not interested in the pro gun rhetoric. I’ve got martial arts training as well, so I’ll take my chances with the stun gun flash light or my own self defense skills before I carry a firearm a stronger male could pull out of my hands and use to mortally wound me. I’m not trained to shoot a Glock 43 or a Sig 9mm, or a Luger 9mm, or a .38 special at another human being. In a moment of panic, a gun can be a serious accident waiting to happen. In all honesty, I would never have my wits about me to be accurate enough to hit the perpetrator. I’m a realist, and I’m not convinced that going to a range prepares me for a life or death threat either. I can however be alert, keep my senses about me and lower my risk. I appreciate the info on the other self defense flashlights though. More importantly, we need our courts to get real about this kind of criminal.

  • wb December 23, 2015 (6:38 pm)

    Jon’s post wasn’t all about guns; it was about how to protect yourself–and i appreciated the frank suggestions and options presented. I too have grappled with the decision to carry–and my wits to do so –moreso when i lived in chicago. I still am praying this woman will be Ok and am thankful this story was shared–i will keep my eyes open and do whatever i can to help ensure that this is a safe neighborhood.

  • Thomas M December 23, 2015 (9:37 pm)

    If you don’t like, don’t believe in, or are otherwise allergic to guns, use BEAR spray. This stuff is like a face full of napalm. So-called pepper spray is not effective — bear spray comes in a large canister like an air horn and totally hoses the bad guy down with sticky, extremely powerful, concentrated pepper oils. There is likely to be some blow back so squint and exhale slowly to pressurize your upper respiratory system outward. … and like I told a friend last week, do NOT give the bad guy a mouthful of the stuff while he’s down.

  • phil dirt December 24, 2015 (6:11 am)

    I totally agree with Jon. I am 72 years old, disabled and walk with a cane and have had experience with people wishing to do me bodily harm. I’m sure I was selected because they thought I would be easy. The first time, I was easy and got badly beat up. I still have the scars to prove it. The next time, I was armed. Believe me when I tell you, there is nothing like looking down the barrel of a .45 to change a thug’s mind. For those of you who are anti-gun and think you can be adequately protected by using your physical skills, pepper spray or stun gun, I say go for it, it’s your choice. As for myself, I have a license to carry a concealed handgun, know the law and am trained in all aspects of how to use it. I sincerely hope that none of you will find out how difficult it is to defend yourself when you are attacked by an assailant, or especially multiple assailants, and think you are adequately protected with a non-firearm.

  • waitasec December 24, 2015 (12:42 pm)

    phil dirt,

    i hope a single assailant or group never grabs your weapon and turns it on you. Assuming you are not committing a crime yourself, of course. Guns are not as loyal to your cause as you might hope.

    Merry Christmas.

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