WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Classic van stolen (update – found!); early-morning gunfire; prowler/burglar alert

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning:

CLASSIC VAN STOLEN: Be on the lookout for Zack‘s van:

My van was stolen last night … from the Pigeon Point area, 21st/Genesee, between 10 pm and 9 am

1987 Gray Vanagon
Yakima roof cargo box
“Campmobile” sticker on the nose
“Treepeople” sticker in back window
Plate AFD9206

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Zack and the van have been reunited – see comments.

EARLY-MORNING GUNFIRE: We received a few inquiries this morning about a search in Highland Park around 1 am. We didn’t hear it at the time, and nobody texted, but archived scanner audio confirms that after 911 got a report of possible gunfire near 10th SW/SW Kenyon, they found at least one shell casing in that area. No medical calls, so apparently no victims.

PROWLER/BURGLAR ALERT: From Becky:

Wanted to get the word out about this man observed to be lurking around our homes this am around 9:00. He walked around 5-6 homes before a neighbor spotted him and called law enforcement but he took off. He even opened a door to a home and stepped in. He rummaged around our property before moving on to our neighbor. Attached is a photo of him from our surveillance. This took place on 17th Ave SW near South Seattle College.

Chris April 17, 2022 (12:52 pm)

There is a possibility we saw this van about 20 minutes ago going up our alley in Admiral District of West Seattle. It was going south in alley between S.W. Massachusetts St & California Ave S W. That would be the 1700 block. It caught out attention as seemed unusual, then we saw your posting. We cannot be 100% sure.

ADAM April 17, 2022 (1:53 pm)

I just saw this van 1:50pm Sunday at 41st and Andover. Confirmed with TREEPEOPLE sticker. I’ll call the police but they are gone so who knows.

Sarah April 17, 2022 (2:25 pm)

It’s heading down genesee toward delridge !

Ben April 17, 2022 (7:53 pm)

The gun fire occurred right outside my house. The police came and found at least 4 casings. They said it was a .45 caliber. It was pretty unsettling.

abel April 18, 2022 (9:21 am)

is there any contact info for Zack? Seems like that is pretty important if the van is spotted. Thanks

Zack April 18, 2022 (9:41 am)

Hi everyone, thanks for keeping an eye out for my van! Contact# 503-360-8813. The last sighting was 6pm Sunday night going south on Delridge, and they were running red lights :(
- Gail April 18, 2022 (6:35 pm)
  
  Hey Zach, I think we saw your van Sunday morning and the person driving it looked very much like the guy pictured from the porch prowler camera pic. He was in our carport stealing, my husband found him, got our things back, and he took off in what is very likely your van. We called the police and gave them a description of the vehicle immediately after, but did not report him as driving a stolen vehicle since we did not know that it was one. I just emailed the officer that took our report letting him know the person in our video footage was likely driving your stolen van. I’m sorry. I hope you get it back.

Ex-Westwood Resident April 18, 2022 (10:49 am)

Until Prosecutors and Judges get tough on crime, ALL levels, it will continue to climb and get more violent.

When there is NO punishment for detrimental actions, there is no reason for the perpetrators to stop.

West Seattle Resident April 18, 2022 (1:47 pm)

Heard the gunfire when I took my dog out at 1:25am, two shots fired back to back. Sounded like it was coming from the direction listed above! Not very helpful, but I definitely heard it

miws April 18, 2022 (8:51 pm)

I just called a left a VM at Zack’s number, in regards to a posting on the “West Seattle Connection” Facebook Group. Here is a C&P of the posting, minus the poster’s name out of respect for their privacy:

at about 8:10pm this evening, a dark grey 1990’s Westaflia camper with a roof box pulled into the junction QFC parking garage. the roof box got stuck, so the driver jumped into reverse and drug the box against the ceiling until it fell off the van and crashed to the ground. he then reversed out of the garage pulling out in front of us, onto the street and sped through the junction down Alaska … leaving the roof box laying in the middle of the garage. seemed kind of suspect to just leave his roof box laying in the garage. unless … maybe it wasn’t his. so, if anyone is missing a roof box with stickers on it … its at QFC. if you are missing a Westfalia, you might wanna call the cops. if the driver actually owned both pieces of property and took off because he was embarrassed … sorry. please disregard this post

Miles April 19, 2022 (6:11 am)

Hello. I think I saw this van in lot of QFC at the junction. The guy tried to take it in lot and got stuck. He tore out of there, ripping off the top case. I also think I saw a kid in the car and a woman but it was really hard to see. They got outta there quick. Me and the qfc guy put the top part on side of garage. Im so sorry it was stolen!

Kalo April 19, 2022 (1:59 pm)

Zack – is this yours?

Zack April 19, 2022 (2:46 pm)

Yes, that is the cargo box from my van! I will pick it up after work today. Thank you everyone for your help!! The thief is still on the loose, I hope he is caught soon.

Zack April 20, 2022 (3:48 pm)

WE FOUND IT!!! The van is at 45/Charlestown, it has been pretty beat up, and it is full of stolen stuff. I waited 2+ hours for the police, but they are busy with more important calls – so I pulled out the battery :) I want the police to look at all of the stolen stuff inside before I take back possession of the van, I will have it moved at the first opportunity. THANK YOU everyone for your help!!! It’s the only good part of the story..!

Sorry, comment time is over.