WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Early-morning car prowler; stolen-bike reunion

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight:

EARLY-MORNING CAR PROWLER: From Barbara:

Caught a thief going through our car on Rutan Place near the Junction at 5:00 this morning. He was into the trunk after going through all the interior boxes. Looks like the losses were some tools plus $200-300 in gift cards, maybe a house key. Husband says he is white, in his twenties, about 6’2″, 200 lb, dark short hair, brown jacket, jeans, with a large cross shoulder bag “like an old mail carrier style.” Dog barked, husband chased E on Edmunds but lost him. Keep your cars locked.

STOLEN-BIKE REUNION: Last night, we published Val‘s report of finding an abandoned (which usually means stolen-and-dumped) bicycle. Tonight we heard from the bike’s owner, who recognized the photo Val had shared showing its distinct wheel; we’ve connected them, and a reunion ensued. The bike had been stolen sometime overnight Friday into Saturday, just hours before it turned up in Val’s yard.

8 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Early-morning car prowler; stolen-bike reunion"

  • Karen April 14, 2019 (7:44 pm)

    SO sorry this happened to you.  Responsible living, caring for others, bothering no one , it  just doesn’t matter to those who prey.  He may run up against the wrong homeowner some day.  I wonder what he will do with your Nordstrom gift cards – he may soon have a new look as he lurks around the Junction.  

  • Barbara April 14, 2019 (8:44 pm)

    He is known around here. Husband has seen him out early. Opportunistic thief looking for easy cash. Police are watching. Looked his loot over in front of True Value surveillance cameras. Not very smart.

  • James Sprague April 15, 2019 (6:39 am)

    Karen and Barb, James here your neighbor, my bicycle was stolen last week out of my shop in the back yard last week wonder if it was the same guy?

  • Barbara April 15, 2019 (7:15 am)

    So sorry,  James.! We in the Junction neighborhoods are seeing more theft and vandalism.  Police want every incident on the record no matter how small.  We know your bike was not a small loss. It’s been your very reliable transportation. Losers abound! 

  • Karen April 15, 2019 (8:21 am)

    James, what a disgusting invasion of your home, not to mention monetary loss.   I hope this guy gets caught soon.   

  • Smartguy April 15, 2019 (10:45 am)

    We keep saying this in West Seattle. DONT LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR CAR !!!That’s why they are targeting our hood.

  • Stephanie April 15, 2019 (11:12 am)

    My boyfriend also lives on this block, and both his cars were rummaged through. Luckily, nothing taken (nothing of value in the car, really). This was Saturday night, saw it on our way to breakfast Sunday AM. More annoying than anything, at least they didn’t break windows trying to get in I suppose. 

  • Barbara April 15, 2019 (12:19 pm)

    Hi Stephanie, sorry your boyfriend’s cars were prowled. SPD would like to have each incident on file if he has not done that yet.

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