CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Stolen car recovered after burglary/theft suspect ‘returns’ it

We have a followup this morning on a West Seattle Crime Watch reader report from Tuesday. Patricia reported that her lime-green Kia Soul was stolen by a burglar who broke into her home (in north Westwood) and took her keys, among other things.

This morning – her car turned up … outside her home!

Patricia’s wife explained in a text that they had quickly canceled cards and changed locks on their home and remaining car after Tuesday’s break-in and theft. Then early today, the stolen car turned up on their security camera, as they heard someone trying their door:

We were a little nervous going to bed on Tuesday. We made sure our phones had volume on and loud. When burglar came back, the Ring notification woke us up and we called 911. Police came within 5 minutes and were able to catch the guy. He was down the cul-de-sac, rifling through another car. Police saw his shadow and gave pursuit. We were shocked to say the least, that he came back in Trish’s car, essentially returning the car to us. After the police arrested him, we cleaned out Trish’s car. (Lots of junk he acquired in a day.)

By the way, for those who ask about this sometimes – the preliminary police report says security-camera video from both incidents is among the evidence factoring into the arrest. We’re working to find out more about the suspect and will add that when we have it.

SIDE NOTE: Police say a similar incident happened in Seaview this morning – a burglar broke into a home, stole keys, and took a car (hours after the above arrest, so not the same person). We haven’t heard from the victim in that case and don’t have a description of the vehicle but will publish a separate report if any of that comes in.

11 Replies to "CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Stolen car recovered after burglary/theft suspect 'returns' it"

  • Jeepney August 4, 2021 (11:50 am)

    Wow, glad the car made it home, but that is extremely scary knowing that the person involved was trying to enter the house.  Very creepy .Kudos to SPD for responding to apprehend this guy, hopefully it won’t be a case of catch and release.

    • Trish August 4, 2021 (12:44 pm)

      Thanks!  Police were great and due to the video evidence and it being car theft- shouldn’t be ‘catch and release’. Really want to applaud the WS SPD-they were great, followed up and very supportive. 

      • WSB August 4, 2021 (12:49 pm)

        We will track the case – since the suspect was booked today, the probable cause/bail hearing probably isn’t until tomorrow, but we’re verifying that with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

        • Andy August 6, 2021 (3:15 pm)

          And updates on this?

          • WSB August 6, 2021 (3:54 pm)

            Yup, suspect was charged today, will be writing a separate story soon.

  • Vee August 4, 2021 (1:14 pm)

    Good job police and smart owners  to change locks so quickly 

  • Sillygoose August 4, 2021 (1:46 pm)

    The incident in Seaview is a neighbor the car is a 2021 Black Cadillac XT6

  • jissy August 4, 2021 (2:34 pm)

    SOOOOO Creepy!  Glad you are safe AND have your car back!

  • Karena Ghorley August 4, 2021 (7:05 pm)

    So glad to hear that’s everything okay

  • Flight Path August 5, 2021 (2:46 am)

    Trish,Tell me they didn’t get the Gonzaga mug!!!

    • Trish August 5, 2021 (6:57 am)

      We protected it, like good Bulldogs! 😉

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