WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 building break-ins; dumped-likely-stolen cash drawer; hit-run smashes signs

| Crime | West Seattle news

Four notes in West Seattle Crime Watch today:

BUILDING BREAK-IN TURNED ROBBERY: This happened early today in the 2600 block of 42nd SW. The preliminary police summary says the victim, observing from their apartment, saw someone “walking from the storage area with the victim’s tools. Victim went out and confronted the suspect, who was carrying the victim’s tools that had been stored in a secured storage area. The suspect fled on foot and the suspect gave chase. As the victim caught up, the suspect turned on the victim and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the victim. The victim disengaged and the suspect continued fleeing on foot. The suspect was last seen westbound on the 4200 block of SW Lander St.”

BUILDING BREAK-IN WITH ARREST: Police are investigating whether that incident might be linked to this one a bit later in which they made an arrest. Their preliminary summary says, “The manager of the apartment complex heard crashing coming from the laundry room. They went to investigate and found the door had been forced open and they observed the (suspect) in the room among overturned machines and coins on the floor. The (suspect) claimed they had permission to be there, but the manager knew otherwise. The (suspect) rushed by the manager, who called out for help. Other residents heard and came out to see the (suspect) fleeing. The group of residents grabbed the (suspect) and held them down until police arrived. They also found a gun on the (suspect). It turned out to be a realistic-looking pellet gun. The (suspect) was arrested for burglary.”

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN CASH DRAWER: Cameron found this atop a compost/yard-waste bin near Oregon/California – if you’re missing one, let us know:

HIT-RUN: From D, who took the photos outside Fauntleroy Church:

Erratic driver smashed into signs, lost a wheel, and continued up Brace Point. As we’re looking at the wreckage a bus driver stops long enough to say the car is just around the corner. We drove up to 35th but did not find it. How far can it get on 3 wheels?

Jeff May 8, 2021 (4:31 pm)

Check with the police. We were in the church parking lot when it happened. Someone stopped by to say the car finally came to a stop up on 35th. A big crash, wiped out part of the cherry tree, too, left the right front tire in the middle of the street and pieces of plastic all over the place. Big scar on the sidewalk. Maybe distracted or impaired driving? Or a stolen car.

Chris Stripinis May 8, 2021 (6:47 pm)

I was on a walk and saw that crash. At first, I thought someone had just taken the curve WAY too fast. When they floored it afterwards — missing a wheel and with a small tree on the front of the car — I figured they were probably really late for an appointment. (Or that the car was stolen.)

C May 8, 2021 (6:47 pm)

The fact that this doesn’t happen more often is a miracle. Cars speeding down 45th Ave SW to avoid the ferry is another scary experience.

1994 May 8, 2021 (7:23 pm)

Impressive to be able to drive up the hill on 3 wheels! Curious to learn which Mercedes Benz model this is….

Frog May 8, 2021 (7:43 pm)

But he didn’t manage to flip it. Amateur !!
- Hammer in Hand May 8, 2021 (8:31 pm)
  
  No reset on the flipper counter

West Seattleite May 8, 2021 (7:51 pm)

They drove past me on 35th and tried to turn onto Roxbury. Sparks were flying. It was a really crazy scene. Looked like a young man and woman in the car. I’m glad they didn’t hurt anyone.

StopCuttingDownTrees May 9, 2021 (12:21 am)

Kudos to the first burglary victim for giving chase after the suspect and for those residents who caught him later during the second burglary and held him for police.

J May 9, 2021 (2:17 am)

I followed them to Roxbury and 20th or so when they accelerated to about 40. I’m amazed the car was able to do that. There was a BMW that kept following them from there. I’m really curious how far they made it. I hope they didn’t lose control of the car and hurt anyone.

Sorry, comment time is over.