WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Victim taken to hospital after street robbery near Fairmount Park

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

A woman was taken to the hospital by private ambulance after she was attacked and robbed near 40th/Findlay [map] less than an hour ago, police confirm. According to the initial report, she told them the attacker grabbed her by the hair and pulled her down, then got away with her wallet. When we went to the scene to follow up, they confirmed the robber was reported to have been last seen headed westbound on Findlay. He was described only as a white man, late teens or early 20s, white shirt, blue jeans, and police were searching in the area. If you have any information, call 911.

Diane June 2, 2018 (12:50 am)

wonder if it’s same guy (similar description) being taken away now to Harborview, after police caught up with him with a knife, running around Morgan junction yelling for help; I was in Thiftway parking lot and he ran up, banging loudly on TW doors, yelling “HELP ME”, then he ran back out to street; couldn’t tell if he was in danger, so I followed his yelling and came across police with him few blocks north

REALly June 2, 2018 (8:51 am)

Probably a seperate incident. There are plenty of untreated mentally ill and criminal persons out and about.

Nicocia Bebla June 2, 2018 (1:41 am)

I was on my patio when it happened and ran down in a jacket and no pants! He was yelling help which is when I got up but then I heard (which I found out later was police) someone yelling for him to drop the knife. So I thought it was an assault. I was on the phone with 911 and police were already there and he was in handcuffs. I heard the police saying, “but you had a knife, right”. Then AMR came and the police kindly escorted him to the ambulance and said they just wanted him to get help. I am so grateful and proud of SPD for not showing force with someone who obviously is experiencing a mental illness episode. They deescalated the situation and provided help. I wanted to hug them.

flimflam June 2, 2018 (7:17 am)

maybe its just me, but i’m more concerned about the poor woman he attacked – hope she’s ok.
- WSB June 2, 2018 (8:20 am)
  
  She is referring to the later incident that Diane mentioned. There is no information suggesting the two are or aren’t related.
REALly June 2, 2018 (8:52 am)

That is commendable.

kravitz June 2, 2018 (9:10 am)

I’m concerned about both incidents – we clearly have a an escalating crisis in this city and our neighborhood (homelessness, mental illness, drug addiction, etc.), and as a single female who lives a few blocks from where this woman was attacked, I’m becoming more and more uncomfortable in the city I was born and raised in. I realize every major city has similar problems and that there is no perfect safe place to live; but I am growing so weary from reports like this. How on earth are we going to start fixing this?

Jon June 2, 2018 (3:10 pm)

100% agreed, and I’ve told all of the women in my life the same thing I’m about to tell you: my recommendation would be that you prepare for a self-defense scenario and train regularly. Always be aware of your surroundings, don’t assume being in a “well-lit area, during the day” makes you impervious, and don’t bury yourself in your phone. Don’t count on anyone coming to save you — your life is in your own hands.If you’re physically-able, martial arts of some form to learn how to escape a hold; if you’re not quite as spry, at the very least, invest in a solid flashlight which doubles as a blunt striking object. Keep it charged, check it daily, keep it on your body and readily available. I can’t tell you how many women buy things like pepper spray (not recommended) and just leave it at the bottom of their giant purse (or worse, at home). If it’s not on you, it’s useless.YouTube is a great training resource (for now — they continue to censor content). Research the topics you’re interested in on there and I’m sure you’ll find some helpful instructors.Lights Go for anything rated at ~500 Lumens or above with what’s referred to as a “strike crown” or “crenulated bezel”•Klarus XT11S (rechargeable, made in China, ~$80)•Elzetta (non-rechargable, made in USA, ~$120, will never break)Other higher-end brands: Surefire, Fenix, Streamlight. Make sure it will comfortably fit in your hand, pocket, and bag.Don’t cheap out on something you’d trust your life to. If you can afford the Elzetta, it will likely outlast you. The only downside is that they don’t recommend you use rechargeables (but I’m sure someone has). I own a few Klarus models and have found them to be mostly reliable with one lemon out of the three I purchased.If you’re comfortable training, making the financial and time investments, are legally permitted to do so, and are committed — I would seriously recommend that you consider a concealed firearm in 9mm and some defensive shooting classes.Firearm Recommendations:Always opt for “night sights”, when purchasing (which are glow-in-the-dark tritium-filled vials, allowing you to aim in the dark). Ensure you can manipulate the firearm comfortably and that it fits your hand size. Minimum capacity I’d consider is 7 rounds; but the more the better (depends entirely on your ability to conceal + your hand strength). If you can wear something with a higher capacity, by all means. I would recommend Federal Way Discount Guns if you’re a first-time buyer.•Glock 43 (~$500)•Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0 (~$480)•H&K VP9SK (~$570, fully ambidextrous — the best if you have sightly larger hands and average grip strength)Those are my top go-to recommendations with female shooters, assuming they have smaller hands. I would have possibly recommended the SIG P365 in the future, but it’s been having lots of people lately, so shelve that idea…Train as much as possible. Get your Concealed Pistol License (CPL) at a Sherrif’s office. Carry “115gr (grain) Speer Gold Dot JHP” (Jacketed Hollow Points), or research “best defensive 9mm ammunition” (Federal, Hornady, SIG all make great ammo). Always test your carry ammo before trusting your life to it.Holsters and BeltsIf you can carry “appendix” or “AIWB” (12 o’clock position), this is ideal. If your body just doesn’t allow it, go for what’s called and “IWB” holster (In-the-Waistband); which you’d wear ~3-4 o’clock or closer to your back, depending on body size an comfort. Learn about the proper engagement distances and always be a good Steward of the 2A community.•AlienGearHolsters — ShapeShift 4.0 IWB (~$55; great holster, easy to adjust, lifetime warranty, no tools required)•DeepConcealmentHolsters — AIWB Holster (prices vary; custom-made by a great manufacturer Florida; lightweight and reliable)For belts, you just want something sturdy at about 1.5″ tall. I like to use the 5.11 Tactical Trainer for (most common standard for holster loops / clips) IWB. They run small, so get a size up from what you’d normally order from their sizing chart (to make room for the holster).If you wear “girl jeans” or pants with inconveniently small pockets and belt loops, some manufactures do create smaller clips.Being a woman, you also have a ton of carry options that most men don’t have. Many female self-defense businesses create bra holsters, elastic “belly band” holsters, et cetera. So if you’re more of a dress person, or want to dress down for the beach, someone out there has you covered. Just search YouTube and check out product reviews. I would just highly recommend that you keep it on your person and within easy reach for a quick draw in the event that you (hopefully never) need it.Anyway, I hope that helped anyone thinking about getting into self-defense. Don’t let ignorance weigh on your conscience; if someone is offended by your rights, tell them to go pound sand. Never be afraid to ask questions. Stay safe.
- Jethro Marx June 2, 2018 (8:54 pm)
  
  Yikes. If the way you talk to the women in your life is anything like your response to kravitz, I think you ought to spend more time listening and less time watching youTube and researching bra holsters. Living in fear and encumbered with weapons is not a solution, it’s allowing your personal freedom to be infringed by the very evildoers you fear. Arm yourself if you like; it is certainly your right. But do so knowing that a pistol is far heavier than than just m*g; it will change the way you see the world. Similarly, if you carry a hammer around all day you’ll start seeing nails that need pounding. If you carry a fancy flashlight you may seek darkness, or at least a target in need of a bezel strike.
  - Justme June 2, 2018 (9:28 pm)
    
    Jethro: there is truth there, but I’d rather carry a weapon while keeping one eye on the rising possibility of an attack, than wish I had in hindsight. Yes, that stun gun in my purse causes me to hate this city I grew up in, just a bit. But I refuse to walk around vulnerably empty handed.
    - Jethro Marx June 2, 2018 (10:36 pm)
      
      I should perhaps point out that being a male, white, relatively strong and vigilant-looking dude, I walk around this city with less to fear than many others. Not fair, but then we shouldn’t expect fairness any more than safety. I tested one of those stun guns once- on bare skin it worked pretty well. I certainly would have let go of whatever I was holding onto. Judo is pretty cool, too.
    - Jon June 3, 2018 (12:59 am)
      
      Jethro is incorrect in his assumption as to the operation and effectiveness of the device (which sounds as if it were based solely on a “buddy-to-buddy” demonstration for fun). He also makes a lot of assumptions as to what it means to be prepared versus what it is to be a vigilante. But that’s neither here nor there.The reality is: such devices in are ineffective, difficult to operate under stress, a waste of time and money, and are largely marketed (in a predatory fashion, in my opinion) towards women who fear firearms but want to have “something” in their bags, while remaining ignorant of the shortcomings and limitations. Even if it were an ideal tool – which it is not – most models sold don’t offer a high enough amp rate to be debilitating; at worse, you’re just angering someone who is already attacking you (assuming you can get to it and deploy it in time), and who is very likely larger and stronger than you.Having once been of a similar mindset, I can tell you what I learned in my research, hacing consulted with SWAT officers and military servicemen:1. Cops don’t carry them anymore2. Cops barely carry ‘Tasers’ (which suffer from many of the same issues)3. Zero people consulted recommended them over what I’ve suggestedThe ‘Stun Gun’ is a direct pain compliance tool; it is not designed for the usage in which you are suggesting because it closes any “gap” between you and your potential attacker (which is not the desired usage in deploying a tool for self-defense). A firearms instructor would teach you the same thing: there are ‘safe deployable distances’ and the idea is to get away, not close that gap.Police training used to dictate the deployment of said tool when a suspect was mostly detained but still fighting. First, you must complete the circuit (which is impeded by most clothing), then you must maintain physical contact with your attacker for it to be at all effective; the effects which will almost instantaneously wear off. It was not meant for a “self-defense” application (despite the testimony that ‘Some Guy Shocked Me Once And Boy Did It Hurt’) — it was developed so that cops could effectively “knock the heads” of disorderly and non-compliant individuals when attempting to subdue and cuff.The modern-day ‘Taser’ (which cops also seldom carry due to rapidly discharging batteries, limited capabilities, difficulty of use, et cetera) is different in that it delivers a constant “pulse” which contracts skeletal muscle (in perfect, ideal conditions — which seldom occur). I would also not recommend that for a litany of reasons.Anyway, we’re getting into the weeds. My sincere recommendation would be to not rely at all on such a device and to instead consider what I’ve already suggested. A reliable defensive flashlight is a much better tool to carry if you fear firearms (though, I would argue that you shouldn’t fear them, and encourage you to overcome said fear). If you don’t believe my own research, then I would suggest you examine the effectiveness on your own time. Either way, it’s your life and your choice. Stay safe, regardless.
  - Jon June 2, 2018 (11:29 pm)
    
    Sure, bud. Continue to live in ignorant bliss; it’s a relatively free country after all. Unfortunately, I’ve had the displeasure of being on the receiving end of evil and I plan to never be again. And if I can share any of that information with people who can use it, I certainly will (I know — I’m such a bad man).Thanks for the judgement, though. Very ‘Seattle’ of you, friendo.
- Jon June 2, 2018 (11:53 pm)
  
  Apologies for the formatting on that. The editor doesn’t work that well on mobile devices.
- Gretchen June 7, 2018 (12:36 pm)
  
  My Glock 43 is my American Express. I don’t leave home without it.It is a great weapon for women, fits nicely in a purse or waistband and shoots great. I customized mine with a flashlight and laser.

Seattlite June 2, 2018 (9:11 am)

Too bad Seattle’s leaders have no clue as how to clean up Seattle’s streets. Drugs cause crazy behavior that’s dangerous to the everyday citizen. National Geographic’s documentary, “Seattle Blues,” gives a chilling insight into the drug-filled underbelly of Seattle’s out-of-control drug culture, which is directly linked to Seattle’s progressive policies.

justme June 2, 2018 (3:50 pm)

As a woman out alone, and anyone for that matter, I started carrying a stun gun. Legal in Washington and sold on Amazon. They come with flash lights so there’s that for safety too. Get the one with a detachable strap so that it can’t be used on you if the creep grabs it from you. I feel better with it for sure. Not perfect, but better than pepper spray. Especially outside. You may end up down wind from pepper spray and that’s no good. It’s going to get worse around here.

H June 2, 2018 (6:35 pm)

Yea. I’ve discontinued walking with earphones in, use a crossbody bag or no bag when possible. I’ve historically felt safer in Seattle than other places but that’s really not true anymore. I too will be carrying a stun gun.
- K. Baker June 3, 2018 (3:43 am)
  
  Ditto. No longer do I walk my dog while listening to an audio book, no matter the time of day. I only ever wear a cross body bag, but I leave that at work if I need to walk around downtown, or at home if I walk around the neighborhood. I grew up in hilltop Tacoma in the 80’s, but have never felt the level of unease that I do here today. Sad times, neighbors. Stay safe.
  - Gretchen June 7, 2018 (12:42 pm)
    
    I was in Bangkok for a week. I felt safer there than I did downtown when I returned home.While I was there, I saw only 4 people sleeping on the street, no used dirty needles and no human waste. The 3rd world country has a city cleaner than Seattle.
Jon June 3, 2018 (1:26 am)

I posted in response to your other comment and I hope that some of that info was useful.In regards to “Pepper” / OC Spray: you are absolutely correct about “dusting” yourself in the event of a confined space or if there are strong winds (one of the arguments as to why it is ineffective; it doesn’t help you if you hit yourself). For that reason (to anyone reading who carries sprays), you would want to use a “Pepper Gel / Foam” product, instead (and learn how to properly deploy it). Although, I don’t love those, either.I’ve used these products (both sprays and gels) and I can tell you that the failure rate is much higher than you would hope; the accidental discharge rate is high as well, considering how poorly designed the commonly sold canisters are, combined with the fact that most women carrying them probably leave them floating freely in their purses, rather than in a designated pocket. Which is a point that needs repeating: keep whatever it is you carry in an easy-to-reach spot and practice reaching for it, repetitiously.I will also say that the housing for these cartridges is also very brittle and I’ve had at least three break on me. You’d also be amazed at how quickly a bulky, inconvenient, difficult-to-deploy can of OC Foam will empty, should you ever need it. And good luck hitting a moving target with it in the first place.I would never trust my life to such devices. And the worst part is: you can’t really “Train With What You Carry” because the devices are inconsistent, one-shot discharge cartridges (most are – again – marketed towards women and are designed to be throwaways). So if you test a cartridge and it performed — great; but guess what? Your next one may not (bad o-ring, low-pressure, et cetera). It also doesn’t help you in the event of multiple assailants.It’s good to have options, but I cannot stress the multi-purpose usefulness of a powerful (blinding) flashlight as a starting defense tool. Find one that you can comfortably wear on your body and be able to comfortably operate it with your eyes closed. Here is a mildly cheesy, overly-dramatic marketing video which happens to include sound advice on the subject of flashlight usage in a potential self-defense scenario. Hope that helps. Take care.

Dunno June 2, 2018 (10:29 pm)

At 12:15 am he picked up a very heavy potted plant and smashed it through my neighboors front door. This happened at the top of Gatwood hill. 5 min later he was at TW, and finally arrested at California and Graham. Very easily could have been related to earlier incident. He was high on something, yelled help at me and waved a knife.