CRIME WATCH: 89-year-old bus killer to be sentenced; plus, 2 reader reports

| Arbor Heights | Crime | Gatewood | West Seattle news

Three items in Crime Watch:

(1/26/2019 SDOT cam framegrab showing investigation scene)(January 2019 SDOT image)

SENTENCING TOMORROW: 89-year-old Roger Mize will be sentenced tomorrow for shooting another man to death almost a year ago shortly after both boarded a C Line bus in SODO. Mize pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter; prosecutors are recommending a 7 1/2-year sentence. As we reported last year, Mize and the victim, 51-year-old Ronnie Tyler, got into a fight aboard the bus after Mize took offense at Tyler walking past him. He pistol-whipped the victim and then shot him. Mize was arrested for shooting another man in 2013 but was never charged; that victim survived.

Two reader reports:

MAIL THEFT: From Chris, whose Arbor Heights neighborhood has been hit by mail theft before:

We have a new mail thief that struck every mail box this morning at 5:20am on SW oceanview Dr.
I can’t quite make out the make and model of the car this time.

Chris says the thief’s car is the dark one at the top of that image.

CAR PROWL: Gatewood again. This report is from Christine:

Just wanted to let you know that our 2004 Audi was rifled through this morning while I was up and making breakfast for my daughter around 6:15 am. I almost caught them because I heard a car with a loud motor rumbling outside and began to walk to the front door but by the time I got to the window and saw the light on in our car, they took off.

The car was parked in the front of the house and accidentally left unlocked but luckily nothing of value was in there. All they took was our Leatherman multi-tool set. The sound of their car certainly drew attention so surprised they’re out casing when people are up and getting ready for work and school!

Mochris January 16, 2020 (8:14 pm)

Where in gate wood? We are on 34th between Webster and Holden and at 6:13am a loud muffler dark sedan broken into our neighbors truck. In and out in 90 seconds and drive off just as my husband walked out the door. Sounds like the same vehicle and person.

CLL in Gatewood January 17, 2020 (7:27 am)

It could be the same car. We’re on 38th between Morgan and Willow. I did not see the car but the sound was loud enough to hear from inside the house. They drove southbound after our incident.
- Mandy January 17, 2020 (9:42 am)
  
  We’re on your same block on 37th and I’ve heard this car driving up and down our alley. Next time I see/hear him I’ll get plates (he may have temporary plates if I recall correctly)

Graciano January 17, 2020 (7:42 am)

At 89 is going to Prison a bad thing?… You will no longer have to pay all those medical bills, three hot meals a day, meet some new friends and free housing.

YouDontGnomeMe January 17, 2020 (10:27 am)

I was notified of 2 package deliveries yesterday. The tracking says “delivered to mailbox”, which I assume meant our secure mail room, but neither where there. This was near 35th and Henderson.

SWinWS January 17, 2020 (3:02 pm)

I left my car unlocked 28th and 107th North Shorewood, someone early morning around 3:30-4am rummaged through the entire cab of my car and took a $400 check out of my glove compartment. It was not in the view of my security camera. Like others have said, lock your car, and remove valuables from the equation. Lived and learned-I guess, and stopped/cancelled the check at the bank. If anyone else hears anything or gets a lic # please post it, would be helpful.

YES2WS January 18, 2020 (8:57 am)

Hearing of lots of vehicles being left unlocked and rummaged through, but also keep hearing of thieves having some sort of access that unlocks the vehicle yet leaves it appearing as having been unlocked all along. It’s possible you did indeed lock your car that night.

Ovcb January 20, 2020 (10:52 pm)

I was up at 5:25am Wednesday am and heard the loud muffler (glasspak) car wandering around the Ocean View neighborhood. Busted into our locked mailbox with a screwdriver. Left a few minutes later and drove around south arbor heights looking for it. Next time go with your gut when you hear a car that sounds out of place.

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