CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Bike-theft suspect arrested, reports ‘open letter’ dad

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

You might remember the “open letter to a bicycle thief” from Byron, published here a week and a half ago. Today, he e-mailed this followup:

I am writing to tell the person who was arrested today for stealing my daughter’s bike – told you I would find you. It took me two weeks but I got you. I am not putting his name here for now, even though he was arrested by Seattle Police today with the bike and will be charged with a felony, because he is innocent until proven guilty.

I did my duty as an engaged citizen and helped by watching websites, making phone calls, and driving around neighborhoods BUT I WANT TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR, our Seattle Police, Southwest Precinct, did the heavy lifting today. Officers put themselves in harm’s way to find and arrest this guy. Our police have a brutal job, and any way we can help them we should. Every bike theft can’t be investigated, as much as we want it to be, but we as law-abiding citizens can do something to help. Be vigilant and don’t give in to these thieves. Don’t shrug it off. Theft is not OK.

The Southwest Precinct was awesome. The Officers were amazing. Thank you for helping us.

Moral of the Story: Crime doesn’t pay? Don’t give up? Don’t Steal?

Sure, but even better…COPS ARE AWESOME.

Thanks for giving back some faith in humanity to an eleven-year-old.

Make sure you shake an officer’s hand next time you see one and say thanks for protecting us. I know I will.

We will do our best to track the case through the system.

NorthOfAdmiral August 19, 2017 (6:20 pm)

Yessssssssssss!!!!

Graciano August 19, 2017 (6:22 pm)

Congrats, Your daughter has to be doing a happy dance…

Tim August 19, 2017 (6:59 pm)

I was kinda hoping you would find him or them…glad it worked out.

Almost weekly I see guys riding a bike with one hand holding another bike going who knows were. Most likely under the Spokane Bridge or another settlement. Last week I watched a guy get off the C line on a bmx and a high end bike and ride off.

Byron August 19, 2017 (7:22 pm)

Don’t discount the police. They are busting their butts trying to solve the problems. Our “leaders” talk about community policing here is the way to help. Be proactive. Our officers are willing to help.
And thanks to everyone who made an effort with suggestions and tips. That is how a community should work. Dont just complain.

Adam August 20, 2017 (3:47 pm)

Byron,

Is there something in particular that you think made the most difference? My wife’s bike was also stolen, reported to police, registered as stolen, and I’ve been stalking eBay and Craigslist for the last month hoping to see someone try and fence it. Police came by, but they indicated there wasn’t much more they could do than file a report.

Do you know if when they caught your perpetrator if they found any other stolen bikes?

Oakley34 August 19, 2017 (7:24 pm)

I was skeptical. Love being shown I’m wrong when I’m being my typical cynical self…Congrats!

Mark August 19, 2017 (7:38 pm)

Now its the prosecutor’s turn to do his/her job and get the perpetrator behind bars and provide say 160 hours community service, 2 weeks x 2 = 160 work hours.

Its time bike thieves do time and be required to perform community service, litter cleanup comes to mind.

BTW – maybe its time for Dad to apply with SPD to become a detective, good job in finding the thief!

Cid August 19, 2017 (7:41 pm)

I’ve often thought our police don’t get enough credit for all they do. As a retired teacher, I can relate. So much of what the police do don’t make the news. Glad this crime was resolved.

Chris August 19, 2017 (7:51 pm)

Your daughter has a very special family. Glad you found her bike for her, plus the thief.

West seattle mom August 19, 2017 (8:38 pm)

About where was it found? (Just curious if it was under the bridge). I’m happy your girl got her bike back! :)

Chuch August 19, 2017 (8:40 pm)

I love this so, so much. Way to go DAD!!!! And way to go SPD!! It’s nice when the good guy gets his day. And his daughter. Congrats to all!

Thank You SW Precinct August 19, 2017 (8:49 pm)

Kudos.

Byron August 19, 2017 (9:20 pm)

It was not under the bridge. It’s was not a homeless person. It was just a person.

Dave August 20, 2017 (6:02 am)

Hopefully your daughter has learned the grace of forgiveness, from you as well as the desire of accountability. doesn’t mean the individual should not be held fully and completely, accountable but the act of forgiveness is a gift for any of our children and adults to have in this life

i am not familiar with the details of the law, I am assuming there are many levels of a felony, surprised it was at that level , I agree will be interesting to see if there are charges and what the court does or doesn’t do

i do wish the police had the same vigor to investigate or do the heavy liffiting for crimes that are not just related to proptery or where a dad has need to be vindicated, there are many vulnerable members of our community who are as deserving but they don’t have the ability themselves or someone else in their behalf to bulldog

k August 22, 2017 (10:24 am)

Hear hear!

WS Parents August 20, 2017 (6:43 am)

Thank you, Byron, for sharing your story, your outrage and your well-earned success – along with your powerful credit to our own Seattle Police and your defusing comment about the thief being “just a person”. We are learning – right along with your daughter – about how to avoid dangerous, knee-jerk responses and navigate complex issues with integrity.

Special thanks to West Seattle Blog for providing this amazing forum.

Al August 20, 2017 (11:46 am)

I’ve had 3 high end bikes taken. There gone. Id love to catch these people!!

ACG August 20, 2017 (1:17 pm)

That is such good news! I was really hoping you would be successful in finding the criminal. Good for you and your tenacity! I know your daughter has learned a myriad of things from this event and I’m so happy that something positive has resulted for your family.

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